Wales blow as Leigh Halfpenny is ruled out of Scarlets action amid concussion battle

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny’s chances of facing England in the Guinness Six Nations remain slim after he was ruled out of Scarlets action this weekend.

The 30-year-old was released back to Scarlets this week, but has not been considered for Saturday’s PRO14 trip to Benetton.

Halfpenny has returned to full training but has not tasted match action since November owing to concussion issues.

Leigh Halfpenny looks to be losing his fitness race ahead of Wales’ clash against England

Wales host England in Cardiff on Saturday, February 23, with Halfpenny remaining a serious doubt to feature in the keenly-anticipated Six Nations showdown.

‘Leigh Halfpenny was not considered for the Scarlets fixture against Benetton Rugby this weekend,’ read a Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) statement.

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