 Many feared that Shanklin would never play again |
Wales and Lions three-quarter Tom Shanklin played for 57 minutes in his long-awaited return in Cardiff Blues' Arms Park friendly loss to Bristol. The 26-year-old has been out for 10 months with serious knee cartilage damage that threatened his career.
Shanklin looked strong but saw his side stutter to a 20-3 defeat.
Fellow Blues and Wales centre Jamie Robinson says he will be fine for the start of the season after injuring his groin in last week's Worcester game.
"It's nothing serious, I just felt a slight twinge and thought it was best to come off," said Robinson.
 Months of hard rehabilitation look to have paid off for Shanklin |
Shanklin tore his cartilage in a Celtic League game with Ulster almost a year ago, but returned to fitness following surgery to take his place on the summer Lions tour to New Zealand.
The problem soon flared up again, though, forcing him to return home before the first Test, which he would have started.
His comeback game for the Blues in October lasted only 35 minutes as he felt another twinge in his knee, prompting fears his career was over.
But surgery followed by months of hard rehabilitation has seen Shanklin emerge ready to continue his rugby career, which has seen him win 33 international caps.
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