The 33-year-old back row forward has been fighting an inflammatory condition with which he was struck down after being taking ill during lockdown. He was put on special medication under the care of a rheumatologist and led to another lengthy period on the sidelines.
The 27-times capped Shingler suffered a major knee injury during the 2018 Guinness PRO14 final defeat to Leinster which kept him out of action for a year. He managed to battle his way back to fitness to play in six of Wales’ seven games at the 2019 World Cup.
There was a further appearance against England in last year’s Six Nations, but he hasn’t been on the field since he last played for Wales at Twickenham in the 2020 Six Nations on 7 March last year.
“Aaron has trained really well and is in the mix for selection, which is great news. He has had an incredibly tough eight months or so with a very different type of injury and medical situation,” said Scarlets head coach Glenn Delaney.
“Firstly, we had to get the right medical advice and treatment to solve the problem, and the experts were fabulous. Then it was about getting him off the medication that was controlling it to try and wean him back so that his body started responding.
“The third part of it was a full reconditioning programme, so he was able to get back to actually being a rugby player. He has been really well supported by his family and they have helped him out massively.
“He is quite straight and direct. He is always pretty clear on when he is ready to go, and he tells you. He brings that no-nonsense approach to his rugby and he has got a pretty strong mindset.”
There is plenty of rugby still to aim at this season for Shingler as he goes about rebuilding his career. The Scarlets are aiming to clinch a place in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup in their final two regular season PRO14 matches and then have a shot at Europe with a home clash against Sale Sharks in the round of 16. The Rainbow Cup is also still on the cards
While the coach is delighted to have a player of his quality available for selection once again, his team mates are also happy to have him back.
“It will mean a huge amount to us to have Aaron back in the side. He is one of those guys who is a legend of the club,” said Steff Hughes.
“His work rate, and what he brings to the game is massive and everybody respects him and loves how he goes about his work. Having him back will be fantastic.
“He has been working really, really hard in the background and has a tough time recently. It will be a brilliant achievement if he can play this weekend and get back to where he was before the injury.”
