Wales issue update on Ross Moriarty following his recent return

Wales assistant coach Stephen Jones says that Ross Moriarty is fit and available for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin. Dragons back row forward Moriarty underwent shoulder surgery after being injured during Wales’ Autumn Nations Series loss to New Zealand in October.

He returned for his region against United Rugby Championship opponents Benetton last Friday, playing 68 minutes and scoring a try. “It was brilliant that Ross got some game-time,” Jones said. “He went back to his region and went well. He is healthy, he came through some game-time and he is available for selection. That’s great for us.”

Moriarty will win his 50th cap if selected, and Cardiff centre Uilisi Halaholo is also on course to be available.

Jones added: “Willis (Halaholo) picked up a little strain or something with his hamstring. Thankfully, he’s ticking all the boxes and it looks like he will be available for selection. That’s great because we know Willis, with ball in hand, causes teams a lot of problems.”

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac is due to name his team on Thursday.