HALFPENNY A MAJOR DOUBT FOR ENGLAND

LEIGH Halfpenny will miss the Scarlets’ clash with Benetton this weekend, casting serious doubt over his chances of facing England.

The full-back was released from the Wales squad earlier this week to train with his region, with the view to him getting some game time this weekend.

Halfpenny hasn’t played since November due to concussion issues and the hope was that he’d prove his fitness ahead of Wales’ crunch Six Nations clash with Eddie Jones’ men next week.

The circumstances surrounding the decision are unclear – though it appears it was a joint decision with the Welsh Rugby Union – but it has transpired that he was not in contention for the game, despite returning to full training.

“Leigh Halfpenny was not considered for the Scarlets fixture against Benetton Rugby this weekend,” a statement from the Scarlets read.

“Although Leigh has returned to full training, it was collectively decided that he should continue training fully with the hope he will be available for selection in the imminent future.”

There is now only a very slim chance that the two-time British and Irish Lion will be recalled to Wales’ starting line-up next week.

Had Halfpenny faced Benetton, Wales boss Warren Gatland would still have been taking a gamble by throwing him in to face England.

Given the 30-year-old would have to go into that England clash having not played since being laid out by Samu Kerevi last autumn, it makes his selection highly unlikely.

That means Wales’ back three that started against France on opening night – Liam Williams, George North and Josh Adams – is likely to remain untouched for England’s visit to the Welsh capital.

The two other Wales squad members released back to the Scarlets, Steff Evans and Rhys Patchell, will both be involved in Treviso.