Rugby evening headlines as Wales international leaves team immediately and Pivac finally gets good news after 196 days

Here are the latest rugby headlines on Friday, February 11.

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau will finally play rugby again this weekend, 196 days since his last match.

The Lions star plays for Bath in the Gallagher Premiership game against Wasps on Saturday.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the British and Irish Lions' South Africa tour last summer.

He played no part in Wales' Autumn Nations Series campaign earlier this season and was not considered for the Guinness Six Nations squad.

Faletau has been among a number of injured Lions unavailable to Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, alongside the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, George North, Ken Owens and Justin Tipuric.

But the 86 times-capped forward, who will join Cardiff next term, could find himself summoned by Pivac if his return to domestic action goes well.

Faletau starts at blindside flanker against Wasps in Coventry, and Bath head coach Neal Hatley said: "It is fantastic to have Taulupe back in our starting line-up.

"He has worked so hard on his rehabilitation with the support of our medical team, and we are all excited for him to run out in blue, black and white this weekend.

"He brings a wealth of experience and his presence - as well as his role in managing our game - will have a huge impact on our team."

The Dragons have announced scrum-half Tavis Knoyle has left the region with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old Wales international's contract was due to expire at the end of the season, but he's pulled the plug early after first moving to Rodney Parade in 2016. He made 61 appearances for the Men of Gwent over five and a half seasons.

The region said: "Dragons would like to place on record our thanks to Tavis for his efforts