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Peel eyeing August bow

Monday 07th July 2008

End in sight: Peel keen for injury-free season

Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel has his sights set on an August return for new club Sale Sharks' pre-season friendly with Leeds.

The British and Irish Lion, who injured his shoulder at the end of last season for old side the Scarlets, was originally expected to be sidelined until the end of 2008.

However, the 26-year-old's recovery from keyhole surgery has been swifter than first predicted.

"I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I'll be fit for the start of the season," said Peel, speaking to BBC Sport.

"There was doubt but surgery and rehab have gone well."

Wales are now likely to have their two star number nines in contention for their autumn internationals as rival Mike Phillips is making a good recovery after his knee reconstruction.

"All I want is an injury-free season for club and country," said the 61-times capped Peel.

"I still want to play for Wales and that doesn't change by moving to Sale. It is just a case of playing club rugby in the Guinness Premiership."

Elsewhere in the competition, Worcester Warriors have suffered a blow with the news that both their major summer signings will miss the season's start.

Welsh international centre or wing Hal Luscombe, who joined Sixways from Harlequins in the off-season, may not be fit until October following knee surgery.

Wallaby full-back Chris Latham will also be unavailable for their campaign opener against Northampton on September 6 due to a torn pectoral muscle sustained on Reds duty.