Moriarty homes in on Scotland
WALES flanker Ross Moriarty returns to play only his second game since the Lions tour for Gloucester at Agen tonight.
Moriarty suffered nerve damage in his back during the Lions’ opening match in June against the New Zealand Barbarians and had to fly home early. He was sidelined until November but suffered a recurrence of the injury in his comeback match.
The 23-year-old has finally received the all-clear to try again and goes straight into the Gloucester starting line-up for the Challenge Cup tie.
It is a welcome boost for Warren Gatland with Wales’ Six Nations opener against Scotland three weeks away.
Gatland is already resigned to being without back-rows Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate for the championship and will have to start it without Taulupe Faletau who is also injured. Provided he comes through intact tonight, Moriarty is in line to wear the No 6 shirt against the Scots.
The big-hitting back row is leaving Gloucester in the summer and returning to Wales after signing with the Dragons.
Harlequins stand-off Marcus Smith yesterday signed a long-term contract extension with the Premiership club.
“Harlequins have looked after me extremely well since I joined three years ago,” said the 18-year-old, who has been part of the England squad as an apprentice.
“The club are incredibly ambitious and combined with John Kingston’s long-term vision, it made the decision much easier knowing the faith and guidance he has shown me.”