The British & Irish Lion has been struggling with a shoulder injury he picked up against Italy in last months RBS 6 Nations Championship clash.

It had always been touch and go whether Peel would make the Wasps encounter and it was confirmed he would have to sit out the final following a fitness test at Stradey Park.

The Scarlets admit losing a player of Peels pedigree is a blow to their chances of lifting the Anglo-Welsh silverware, but they have faith in his replacement Clive Stuart-Smith.

We had hoped Dwayne would make it for Wasps but in the end he is another two weeks away from being fit, said Scarlets coach Nigel Davies.

Dwayne is struggling with ligament damage to his shoulder and Sunday was always going to come along a bit too soon for him.

But Clive is more than a capable replacement. He is a great reader of the game. He has been great for us all season and was key to us in the semi-final win over Bath.

He produced a massive contribution that day and Im sure he will be playing a vital part for us on Sunday.

There was more bad news on the injury front for the Scarlets with Peels Wales team-mate Lee Byrne also ruled out with a dead leg, though Barry Davies (groin) has been cleared to play and starts at full-back.

But the Scarlets will have skipper Simon Easterby (groin) and number eight Alix Popham (knee) available despite concerns over their respective injuries.