With the Ospreys due to face Clermont Auvergne next weekend in the Heineken Cup and Wales just weeks away from kicking off their RBS 6 Nations campaign against England at Twickenham – the trio’s return will be a welcomed boost for club and country.

Williams has been missing for six weeks after tearing a hamstring on international duty in the autumn against Australia, while Hook and Jones have been nursing shoulder injuries both suffered on Boxing Day.

"We're very hopeful that Shane will be available," said head coach Sean Holley. "Likewise Alun Wyn and James.

"Shane has played enough games in his career so we know what he can do.

"It is a matter of getting him 100 per cent. He would have been touch and go to play Ulster on Friday but now he can get involved in more rugby sessions in training and we are hopeful he will be available for selection."

Full back Lee Byrne and prop Adam Jones have also recently returned from injury for the Ospreys, while star scrum-half Mike Phillips is on the road to recovery after a foot injury.