Gareth Anscombe: Scarlets hope fly-half debut against Dragons after paperwork issue

Scarlets hope Gareth Anscombe can make his debut against Dragons on Friday after a registration issue prevented him from playing against Exeter Chiefs.

The 35-year-old fly-half had been named to start the pre-season game at Sandy Park last weekend but was withdrawn shortly before kick-off.

Scarlets have confirmed the former Wales international was not injured and that the issue is related to his registration.

The club are hopeful the paperwork will be resolved swiftly, with Anscombe set to play against the Dragons at Parc y Scarlets on 11 September if he is cleared in time.

Anscombe was at Sandy Park to watch Scarlets' 36-15 victory over Exeter and helped with the team's warm-up.

He has trained during pre-season and is fit and ready to play, according to Scarlets, who do not want to apportion blame for the registration issue.

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Anscombe returned to Wales this summer after spending last season in France with Top 14 side Bayonne.

The former Cardiff and Ospreys player has joined Scarlets to provide competition for Wales fly-half Sam Costelow.

He arrives as an experienced option following the region's difficulties at number 10 when Costelow was out with injury.

Scarlets' game against the Dragons is the first of two remaining pre-season fixtures, with the Llanelli-based side also set to face Saracens next Friday.

Their United Rugby Championship campaign begins on Saturday, 26 September, when Cardiff visit Parc y Scarlets.