Roberts champing at the bit

Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts insists he can't wait to get back into Pro12 action after a sooner-than-expected recovery from injury.

Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny are both in the running to pull on the Blues jersey this weekend against Munster - a fact that will also please Wales coach Rob Howley ahead of the Six Nations.

The duo both picked up injuries, Roberts (elbow) and Halfpenny (neck), during the final game of a forgettable year-end Test series for Wales, the last-gasp defeat against Australia on December 1.

At the time it was expected the pair would face a race to prove their fitness in time for the Six Nations opener on February 2.

However, they are in contention for Saturday's trip to Cork.

"It is good to be back after tearing my ligaments in the Australia game but luckily I did not have to have an operation," Roberts told Wales Online.

"It is just good to be back playing because being out for four or five weeks is frustrating.

"Especially when there is a lot of rugby going on with the Welsh derbies and the European Cup.

"I am fortunate to be back a week early and that is testament to the work of the physios here.

"You get given guidelines and I was looking at six weeks.

"I have trained hard and it has been difficult watching the team play without you.

"I am raring to go again in what is a really big season.

"I can't wait and get back on the field and play again and hopefully stay injury free."

Blues backs coach Gareth Baber added: "We haven't seen Jamie or Leigh around for a while but they have both pushed themselves back into contention.

"They are going through some tests this week just to make sure they are given the all-clear.

"But we expect to see them both involved this weekend."