Cardiff boss Dai Young fully expects Josh Navidi to be called up by Wales for their final two Six Nations matches.
Grand Slam flanker Navidi will make his comeback in Friday night’s clash with Ulster in Belfast after five months out with a dislocated shoulder.
Cardiff then head to South Africa for two rearranged United Rugby Championship matches.
But Young doesn’t expect to have the 28-cap Navidi on board for that trip.
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Instead, he is anticipating him being drafted into the Welsh squad for their remaining Six Nations fixtures at home to France and Italy.
“What I expect is a call from Wayne, to be quite honest,” said the Arms Park director of rugby.
“Whether that will happen, I don’t know.
“First and foremost, Josh needs to get through the Ulster game, whch I’m sure he will. I am confident he will do that.
“If he isn’t picked up by the Welsh squad, we will take him to South Africa obviously.
“But I will be very surprised if we don’t get a phone call for Josh to go into that Welsh camp.
“Whatever really. We are happy to see players involved in international rugby or stay with us. It’s a win-win really.
“But Josh is somebody that has done it in the past and I would be very surprised if he’s not asked to do it again.
“He is someone who can do exactly what Taulupe (Faletau) did on the weekend; step in and play at that level.”
The 31-year-old Navidi suffered his shoulder damage against the Bulls in October, with surgery required.
But after lengthy rehab, the versatile Lions tourist is ready to go again.
“He’s had enough training with the boys now,” said Young.
“We’ve tried to replicate things as much as possible. He’s in a good place.
“He’s been in full training now for over two weeks, so he is raring to go and get back out there and play some rugby for Cardiff. Where that takes him that takes him.
“I am sure he is only focusing on one thing at the minute and that’s getting out and playing for us.”
Adding his thoughts, Cardiff captain Josh Turnbull said: “Navs is the type of guy you could drop back into an international and you wouldn’t think he’s been out for six months.
“He does a lot of hard work behind the scenes to put himself in that condition. It’s been no different this time. He’s worked incredibly hard and he’s in real good shape.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the field.”
Elsewhere on the fitness front, Welsh international Matthew Screech will make his first appearance since October against Ulster after a lay-off with concussion. Fellow lock Rory Thornton is out with a shoulder bang.
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