Richard Hibbard is set to rejoin the Wales squad today following a substitute’s appearance for Gloucester that has left national coach Warren Gatland seeking “clarity” about his injury position.

Wales ruled hooker Hibbard out of contention for Saturday’s Test match against Fiji due to an ankle problem.

Under International Rugby Board rules, he was released back to his club at Gloucester’s request — and then played eight minutes of their Premiership defeat against Harlequins on Friday night.

Gatland has admitted “surprise” at developments, although there is nothing to suggest at this stage that 32 times-capped Hibbard will not be involved when Wales host world champions New Zealand next weekend.

“He presented to us early in the week with an injury, we put him in a (surgical) boot and he wasn’t available for selection,” Gatland said, following a laboured 17-13 victory over Fiji that saw Scott Baldwin start as hooker and Emyr Phillips provide bench cover.

“Then he was to go back to Gloucester, and it was a surprise to us that on the Wednesday he presents himself to Gloucester being able to be fit to go on the bench.

“I just want to get some clarity on what’s going on. Either you are fit to be available or you are not. If he was fit for Wales, he would have been involved.

“I don’t see how you can somehow become fit halfway through the week.”