 Jones has missed much of the last two seasons with injuries |
Wales and Llanelli Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones hopes to be ready for a comeback in the 2 December EDF Energy Cup semi-final decider at Sale Sharks. The blind-side, 27, has begun contact training after shoulder reconstruction in the summer, having missed most of the last two seasons with injuries.
"Daf is looking outstanding now," said Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies.
Scarlets' Scotland lock Scott MacLeod also hopes to be fit for Sale after damaging knee ligaments last month.
The Sale game is followed by back-to-back Heineken Cup fixtures with Toulouse in a massive month for the Scarlets.
"Daf is an international quality player," Davies told the South Wales Evening Post.
"But what we need to look at with him is to get him back training, back into the rugby environment, and to build endurance in his body before he can get back on the field, because you don't want him breaking down."
Llanarth-man Jones, who has 29 caps, suffered groin, hand and ankle trouble before his shoulder problems.
In his absence a number of players have been tried in the Wales number six jersey, including Colin Charvis, Ryan Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and - most recently - Jonathan Thomas.
But none have nailed down the jersey, and with ex-Stradey Park supremo Gareth Jenkins at the Wales helm Dafydd Jones is likely to be a serious contender for next year's World Cup.
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