Faletau's admission: I thought career might be over

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Wales star Taulupe Faletau has admitted he wondered if he could still play rugby after spending lengthy spells on the sidelines.

The fit-again Bath number eight will return to the Test arena on Saturday when Wales launch their Guinness Six Nations campaign against Italy in Cardiff.

It will be his first international appearance since the final game of Wales’ 2018 Six Nations season.

A 22-month gap between his 72nd and 73rd caps included him twice suffering a broken arm and being laid low by a collarbone injury that required surgery.

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The latter setback put paid to any chance of him playing in the World Cup earlier this season, and it has been a long road back.

“There was a lot that went on in that time, and I am just glad to be back in the fold,” said Faletau, who lines up in the Wales back-row alongside Aaron Wainwright and Justin Tipuric this weekend.

“My first game back (for Bath) it was like having my first run-out for the Dragons – it had been that long.

“I was definitely nervous. At one point you wonder if you can still play rugby. I am just glad to be out there playing.

“We trained at the stadium today, and pulling in there brought a few nerves on. I am sure there will be more on Saturday.