Rhys Webb: Wales will release scrum-half to play for Ospreys

Rhys Webb has played 23 times for Wales

Ospreys will have Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb available for their Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Bristol on Saturday.

Webb made his comeback from an ankle injury in the region's 26-21 win over Newcastle.

The 28-year-old will be released from the Six Nations squad to continue his return to fitness ahead of Wales' opening match against Italy on 5 February.

"He'll play for the Ospreys on the weekend," said Wales coach Rob Howley.

"He has this knack of coming back from injuries quickly.

"He's faced adversity many times in his career.

"He's been brilliant in the last 48 hours, coming back from Newcastle."

Webb is one of 11 Ospreys players in Wales' squad which met up on Monday.

Prop Rhodri Jones will also be available for the Ospreys this weekend.

Webb has played only an hour since undergoing ankle surgery following Wales' 32-8 defeat by Australia on 5 November.

"We'd be more than comfortable in giving him as much game time as he needs," said Ospreys attack coach Gruff Rees.

"He certainly wouldn't train properly until Thursday or Friday, but that's no issue with someone like Rhys.

"He led the side last week, he knows a lot of our tactical messages and he'll drive probably an even younger group this week."