REGISTRATION ISSUE DELAYS ANSCOMBE DEBUT FOR SCARLETS

Gareth Anscombe has been prevented from making his debut for Scarlets due to a registration issue unrelated to injury. The 35-year-old fly-half was named to start a pre-season match against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park last weekend but was withdrawn shortly before kick-off. Scarlets confirmed the former Wales international was not injured and that administrative paperwork caused the delay. The club stated it does not wish to apportion blame for the registration problem.

Anscombe returned to Wales this summer after spending the previous season with French Top 14 side Bayonne. He has joined Scarlets to provide competition for Wales fly-half Sam Costelow, who previously experienced injury difficulties at number 10. The club described Anscombe as an experienced option given the region's past issues when Costelow was unavailable. He attended the Exeter match as a spectator and assisted with the team's warm-up routine, with Scarlets confirming he has trained during pre-season and is fit.

Scarlets hope the registration paperwork will be resolved swiftly, with Anscombe set to play against the Dragons at Parc y Scarlets on 11 September if he receives clearance in time. The match against the Dragons is the first of two remaining pre-season fixtures. Scarlets' United Rugby Championship campaign begins on 26 September when Cardiff visit Parc y Scarlets.