Peel eager to make up for missing All Blacks clash

WALES scrum-half Dwayne Peel will return to Test match action on Friday night – and launch what will probably be his last international season as a Sale Sharks player.

Cardiff Blues or Peel’s former regional team, the Llanelli-based Scarlets, appear possible destinations.

The 28-year-old admits it was “bitterly disappointing” to miss out on Wales’ Millennium Stadium appointment with New Zealand last weekend.

Rather than tackling the All Blacks, Peel made a substitute’s appearance for Sale in their low-key LV= Cup defeat against Newport Gwent Dragons the previous evening.

Because the New Zealand fixture fell outside the International Rugby Board’s recognised autumn Test window, Premier Rugby’s directive to their 12 member clubs is that players should not be released for Tests not involving England.

It was not the first time for Peel to be affected by such a stance, and will undoubtedly prove a major reason behind any move away from English rugby.

“It was bitterly disappointing, very frustrating,” said Peel, who watched from the stands as Wales lost 19-12 to New Zealand.

“It was a ruling put in place by Premier Rugby. I didn’t agree with it, but there was nothing really that could have been done.”

As for his playing future, Peel added: “I haven’t really sat down to think about it yet.

“I’ve focused, really, on getting back fit and playing well for Sale. I will worry about that afterwards.

“It is for me to sit down when the time right is right and discuss it. I will have to speak to a number of people, and go from there. I’ve been really looking forward to having a crack at these autumn games.”