Wales duo Lee Byrne and Adam Jones to make return

Wales and Coach Warren Gatland are due to receive a boost with British and Irish Lions fullback Lee Byrne and tighthead prop Adam Jones both due to make their returns from injury.

Wales are not the same side without the two Ospreys that are key if Gatland is to build his side back to Six Nations’ glory.

Adam Jones has proved his strength as a tighthead, buttressing the Lions scum when coming into the side against the Springboks. His performance, and the subsequent lack of grunt in the Red Dragons set piece without him, has again proven the adage that a scrum is built around a side’s tighthead.

Lee Byrne, who before getting injured could have laid claim to being the premier number 15 in world rugby, added so much to Wales not only based on his strength and security from the back, but because he added so much more attacking impetus with his ability to feature in running play.

While Mike Phillips will likely miss the start of the Six Nations, both the Ospreys may be fit and ready for selection for the opening match against England at Twickenham on February 6th.

Jones, capped 56 times for Wales, dislocated his right shoulder after being “cleared” from a ruck by Springbok Bakkies Botha against the Springboks in Pretoria on June 27th. The prop may make his return as a replacement against Viadana in the Heineken Cup.

Byrne, who was sublime in the Lion’s warm up matches, limped out of the series in the opening test after reinjuring a problematic foot injury suffered during the 2009 Six Nations. He has had surgery on his ligament, but as it is a potentially career jeopardising ailment, he will be gradually eased back, with inside reports stating he will make his comeback in the end of year derby against the Scarlets.

In further good news, Ryan Jones is making steady recovery from his back injury suffered prior to the 33-12 loss to the Wallabies, and lock Ian Evans is all but ready to resume play.

Osprey’s boss Scott Johnson, who has been overseeing Byrne and Jones recoveries, has been happy with the pair’s commitment.

“To be fair on Adam, we had an agreement. He has got to the weight despite everyone thinking he would balloon out really,” said the former Australian assistant coach.

“After the Lions everyone thought he would take it easy but he’s been exemplary and his weight is now back to what it was when he went on the Lions tour. His strength is to where it was too.”

“You couldn’t ask for a more professional attitude regarding a comeback so you’ve got to give praise where it’s due. He’s done really, really well. I think it’s important for the game in Wales really. He’s been missed but I always look at things positively.”

But - as most in the country say as well - while Jones comeback is a plus for both club and country, it doesn’t hide the fact that there needs to be other options. This also applied to Byrne, with James Hook preferred as the first choice 15 for Wales.

“I think Wales need to find other tight-heads as well and it’s given us a chance to play some young kids and see how they go so it strengthens the pool of talent.”

“We could have gone to the open market and replaced Adam. I didn’t think that was in the best interests of Welsh rugby and I still don’t. While we may, from everyone’s view, suffered a bit of pain through that I think we will get plenty of gain. He’s been missed but the depth in our squad has increased, that’s a good thing moving forward.”

“We will welcome him back – there’s no doubt about it. It’s a fine sight to see because the day never seemed to be getting closer but it’s arrived, it’s good and it’s good for the game here.”

He also praised Byrne, stating that he has worked hard to maintain his fitness, and that his professionalism has been top notch.

“Lee is not that far away. I must give the region full credit. We have got three physios here. The Welsh (test setup) give their physio a day a week as well. He’s probably been in as good as hands as anywhere. Lee’s been diligent. He looks absolutely fantastic. Physically, he’s probably in the best shape that I can remember Lee being in.”

“I think he’s done really well. Kids get criticised a lot in the negative way but you have got to acknowledge the positive.”

“When you are talking about Adam and Lee, physically they look a million dollars so they have done their part in their preparation to get back so full credit to them. Lee will start to come back.

“He’s (Byrne) been missed, internationally and with us.”

With some returning heavy Calvary, Gatland will be smiling, but still concerns exist over other test stars.

Along with Phillips, Shane Williams (hamstring), Duncan Jones (foot), Matthew Rees (groin) and Mark Jones (knee) are still in the casualty ward.