Ken Owens: Scarlets, Wales and Lions hooker ends 11-month absence with Carmarthen Quins game

Ken Owens has played 82 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the British and Irish Lions

Scarlets and Wales hooker Ken Owens has come through his return from injury for Carmarthen Quins against Swansea in the Welsh Premiership.

Owens, 35, has been sidelined with a back injury for 11 months.

The British and Irish Lions hooker played the first half of the game as Swansea eventually defeated Quins 24-10.

"It was a good 40 minutes, I was blowing a bit and it was just nice to be back out on the field," said Owens,

"Just getting hit and being hit. The plan was to have 30 or 40 minutes... coming here is one of the reasons I was able to control the game time and see what happens in the next few weeks.

"It was good to be back playing, to be back in my home town Carmarthen.

"I am thankful to the Quins to allow me an opportunity to work my way back to fitness.

"I would not say Quins was my home club because I am a Carmarthen Athletic boy.

"But this town means a lot to me and everybody from both clubs have given me massive support.

"It was good to be back and see some old faces and do a bit for the town."

There was a minute silence before the game to mark the sad death of the partner of Carmarthen Quins prop Ben Leung.

"There has been a bit of tragedy around the club this week which has been very sad," said Owens.

"The club have been so supportive and we were disappointed not to get the result."

Testing times

Owens last played for Scarlets in October 2021 against Leinster in the United Rugby Championship [URC].

After initially being selected for Wales' opening autumn international against New Zealand in October 2021, Owens pulled out of the game with his back problem and has not played since.

He admits almost a year on the sidelines has been testing.

"It has been slow and frustrating," said Owens.

"A lot of times there have been questions marks whether I will get back to play and probably I have not been too far away from making that decision.

"I always said I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to get back on the field, because I think I would regret it if I did not do that in years to come.

"I turned the corner about two or three months ago and really saw a progression.

"It was good to be back out there again today and hopefully put my hands up for selection with Scarlets in the coming weeks.

"I have to show what I can do in training to earn my place. I am going to take it day by day and see where we are at. I have ticked a box now by getting back on the field and we will see where it goes.

"I have not set any public targets. I know what I would like to achieve in my head and it will be working towards that, and we will see where we are in the coming weeks and months."

Owens will still be hopeful of playing in a fourth World Cup in France next year.

This Carmarthen Quins appearance should act as a stepping stone for him to return for Scarlets in the coming weeks in the URC.

After the 55-39 defeat against Ulster, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: "It (coming back) will be big for him.

"I think Ken will tell you himself four or five months ago he was struggling, but to be fair to him he has turned that around massively and worked really hard.

"Whenever he gets the opportunity with us, I am sure he will do a great job."