Dean Ryan is looking forward to watching Ashton Hewitt make his playing return – admitting the speedster is ‘itching to get back in’.
Hewitt is named on the wing to face Wasps for his first taste of competitive action since April 2021.
The 27-year-old – who has grabbed 33 tries in 103 games – has now fully recovered from the knee injury his sustained against Northampton Saints in Europe.
And Ryan – who also recalls fit-again Ross Moriarty - wants the Newport-born flier to enjoy the occasion as he runs out in home soil.
“Ashton has spent a long time out and worked incredible hard to get back,” he said.
“It is almost 18 months and a long time off the field. He is itching to get back in.
“Sometimes he sets himself incredibly high standards and I want him to enjoy tomorrow because he has missed it for a long time.
“He is fully fit and desperate to get on the field – he doesn’t appear to have lost any pace!”
Ryan will once again use the game to finalise plans ahead of the United Rugby Championship opener away at Edinburgh on September 17.
“We’ve got 25 players that we have an eye on for Edinburgh. I want to play as many of those as I can and give them a chance,” he added.
“We’ve looked at combinations this week and last week with a view to being closer to that 15 by the end of the Wasps game.
“We spoke to the whole group about not using this pre-season as a chance for everyone. It is about getting some momentum in the year.
“It is up to people to take their opportunities when they present themselves.”
Tickets for our pre-season game with Wasps (September 2) remain on sale NOW!
Priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for juniors, joining us for the start of the new era has never been easier. Season Members – you gain FREE entry to both games as part of your package.
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