Rhys Priestland boosts hopes of Wales call-up by starring for Bath at Scarlets
Rhys Priestland impressed against his former club (Paul Harding/PA)
Rhys Priestland could earn a Wales squad recall next week - more than two years after he last started a Test match.
The Bath fly-half produced a star performance in front of Wales head coach Warren Gatland on Friday, kicking six penalties as his former team the Scarlets suffered an 18-13 European Champions Cup defeat.
Up until five days ago, Priestland would have required one of four wildcard picks available to Gatland for players who ply their trade outside Wales.
But changes to the Welsh Rugby Union's senior player selection policy saw that wildcard system scrapped, and it might now work in Priestland's favour.
He has not been involved for Wales since the 2016 New Zealand tour, but in terms of the starting line-up he last featured in the 2015 World Cup opener against Uruguay.
While 48 times-capped Priestland's current form suggests a squad place for autumn appointments with Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa is likely, the 30-year-old is not getting carried away.
Asked about a possible return to the international fold after Bath's second successive Champions Cup victory, he said: "I honestly have not got a clue.
"My sole objective is to try and win games for Bath. Things are going okay.
"I would love to play for Wales, but I haven't a clue whether I am in their thoughts. All I can do is try and play as well as I can for Bath.
"If they (Wales) ring me, then that's fine, but I won't be waiting by the phone. I am not going to build my hopes up - it's out of my control, like I have said all along."
Bath rugby director Todd Blackadder, meanwhile, was left enthused by a superb performance from Priestland in wet and windy conditions at Parc-y-Scarlets.
"Rhys is having an outstanding season," Blackadder said. "He took control of the game - everything you would expect from a really good 10.
"It (Wales selection) is up to Warrren Gatland and his team. Rhys is doing everything he can and the only thing he can control is his performance. He is performing really well.
"He has grown this year. The gameplan suits Rhys and I think he has really stepped up as a leader.
"He has played a lot of rugby, he has played on the international stage and it is just good to see players keep developing and getting better.
"He is playing some fantastic rugby and I am just so pleased for him. He is taking every opportunity he can to impress."