Scarlets are looking to restore Wales international Joe Hawkins to his preferred position at inside centre ahead of Sunday’s Champions Cup Pool 4 clash against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens. The move comes after fly-half Sam Costelow returned to full fitness, giving the Scarlets more flexibility in attack.

Hawkins, 23, who made his Wales debut against Australia in 2022, has spent much of the last five Scarlets fixtures at fly-half, filling a gap in the absence of Costelow. However, interim director of rugby Nigel Davies, stepping in above head coach Dwayne Peel, has confirmed that Hawkins will now be used in his “primary role” at number 12, the position where he has impressed most at the international level.

“Sam is a natural 10 and it’s different with Joe,” Davies said. “Joe is a fantastic rugby player, and we have to be careful with him because he has been moved around a little bit. I know, and he knows as well, that his best position is 12, and we’ve got to develop him in that role.”

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Hawkins’ Versatility: Asset and Challenge

Hawkins’ adaptability has been a key asset for Scarlets. Since returning from Exeter in the summer, he has made 10 club appearances, including six starts at fly-half, three off the bench, and a single start at inside centre on his debut against Munster in round one of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

While his experience at 10 has been valuable, Davies emphasized the importance of settling Hawkins back into a ball-playing centre role, where his ability to read the game and execute under pressure can be maximized.

“A ball-playing 12 being comfortable to play a 10 is useful, but it’s not the primary role,” said Davies, a former Wales and Llanelli centre. “It brings good attributes to our game because it gives us two first receivers and communicators in those positions. Sam will benefit from Joe’s ability to understand the pressures he’s under and communicate effectively.”

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Costelow Boosts Scarlets’ Attack

Costelow, sidelined since 13 December due to an ankle roll sustained before a URC derby at Cardiff, has returned to training and provides Scarlets with their first-choice 10 option for Sunday’s clash. His return allows Hawkins to focus on the inside centre role without being stretched across positions.

The Welsh fly-half has five starts and two substitute appearances this season, with young talents Elis Price and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones serving as additional back-up options.

“Sam is a natural 10, and Joe’s versatility complements that,” Davies added. “Having both on the field gives us an added dimension in attack, with two capable first receivers who can dictate play.”

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Team Selection and Fixtures

Scarlets will announce their team to face Northampton on Friday at midday. One key inclusion is Max Douglas, returning from suspension after a 20-minute red card against Dragons on New Year’s Day.

Sunday’s clash against Northampton Saints is pivotal in Champions Cup Pool 4, as Scarlets aim to build momentum with a strong performance in Europe while consolidating their URC campaign.

With Hawkins settled back at centre and Costelow fit at fly-half, Scarlets will aim to combine experience, tactical intelligence, and attacking fluidity to challenge Northampton on their home turf.