British & Irish Lions duo Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins have been cleared to return to action with the Cardiff Blues this weekend and coach Phil Davies admits it’s a welcome boost.
Warburton, who captained the Lions to a historic 2-1 series win Down Under, and Jenkins, who was also picked in the original touring party, have been away on Wales duty.
The pair have been released back to the Blues by Wales coach Warren Gatland, who also led the Lions Down Under in the summer.
And Davies will speak to Gatland before planning how long he will field his Lions for this weekend.
“It’s good news for us that they have been released,” Davies told WalesOnline.
“We have been struggling in those two areas. Prior to this week, we only had three fit back rowers in the group. So to have Sam come back is a great boost.
“It’s the same in the front row. We are pretty decimated there as well, so for Gethin to come back as well is great.
“I asked if they could be made available because they need game-time and we’ve got a lot of injuries and that request has been accepted to be fair. That’s good to be working together and it will be good benefit to us on Saturday night.
“I’m thankful that Warren has released them and we will include them obviously.
“They will get as long on the pitch as I suppose they’ll need to be honest. I will speak to Warren to see if there is any particular game-time limit.
“Arguably, starting them is the way to go. They will train with us Thursday, Friday and play Saturday, so it’s fine. They will slot in no problem and add quality.”
