FEARLESS full-back Leigh Halfpenny could make a sensational return to international rugby next Saturday after finally being declared fit following three months out through concussion.

The Scarlets star hasn’t played since taking a blow to the head under a challenge from Australia centre Samu Kerevi during last November’s clash between Wales and the Wallabies.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who described Kerevi’s actions as “reckless”, may well be tempted to throw Halfpenny back in at the deep end when England come to Cardiff on February 23.

That clash between the old enemies has all the makings of a Six Nations decider, with Gatland’s men and Eddie Jones’ troops the only sides left in this year’s tournament to win their first two fixtures.

Halfpenny’s regional boss, and Gatland’s successor, Wayne Pivac, revealed today that the 30-year-old will be back in Wales training today, while fly-half Rhys Patchell (hamstring) is also fit again.

New Zealander Pivac is waiting to see if the pair will be released by Wales to play a part in the Scarlets’ PRO14 trip to Benetton Treviso this Saturday.

Speaking about Halfpenny, whose position in the Wales team has been covered by Liam Williams and Jonah Holmes, Pivac said: "It's great to see him running around with a smile on his face.

Commenting on Halfpenny’s performance in a Scarlets training match, he added: "He did everything – full contact, full tackling – we had a mini-game scenario with no hiding places and he was taking high balls, getting clattered and did everything he needed to do.

"He goes back as 'available', in consideration for Wales, and if they feel they need a game, we'll slot them in (against Benetton).”

Patchell pulled his hamstring against Ospreys in December, the week before Halfpenny was due to return before suffering a recurrence of headaches.

"Both trained with us yesterday (Monday) and did everything with contact, both passed with flying colours," said Pivac.

"They'll return to Warren and his Wales group, and they'll make a call as to what they want to do from there after Wales training on Wednesday.

"Patch has also been out for a number of weeks and it was good to see both of them flying at everything – both can't wait to get on the field."

Meanwhile, former Dragons number eight Taulupe Faletau needs further surgery on his broken arm, his club Bath have revealed.

Faletau, 28, fractured his right forearm while playing for Bath last October then suffered another break on his return in January's 18-16 Champions Cup victory over Wasps.

Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder said: “We’re gutted for Taulupe, but this is the best course of action for him moving forwards as a player.

“We will know more in terms of timeframes following the surgery, but we’re looking forward to welcoming him back into the squad.”