The 29-year-old suffered the injury midway through the autumn internationals last monthLiam Belcher made his Wales debut out in Japan(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

Wales hooker Liam Belcher has revealed he lost power in his arm following a “scary” injury that ruled him out of last month’s clashes with New Zealand and South Africa.

The Cardiff captain made his return from a nerve issue in his neck on Friday night against the Scarlets at the Arms Park. To the 29-year-old’s credit, it looked like he’d never been away – with some trademark carries that belied his relatively small stature.

Belcher picked up the injury just ahead of Wales’ autumn victory against Japan – in which he came off the bench for his fourth cap, having made his Test debut in the summer.

“It was a concerning one,” said Belcher. “I’d never had it before.

“It was a bit scary, losing power in your arm – then it hit the tricep and went on to the forearm and grip.

“The only positive I can take against Scarlets was that I got through OK and there weren’t any repercussions.”

Having also come on against Argentina in the opening game, Belcher was denied the chance to face the All Blacks or Springboks last month – while he also missed the start of Cardiff’s Challenge Cup campaign.

“I had three neck stingers in a space of three weeks and then it just came on for the Japan game,” he said.

“I couldn’t feel my little finger and then it deteriorated in the week of the All Blacks game, where my hand was all numb and it went all the way up to my tricep.

“Probably a week after that I lost power in my tricep, then my grip.”

Belcher was full of praise for both Cardiff and Wales’ medical teams for his rapid return.

“They were brilliant and gave me the confidence to come back,” he said.

“It was a waiting game and luckily it took four weeks, because in some cases it can take longer.”

Having made his Test debut this year, Belcher will be hoping to keep his place in Steve Tandy’s squad for the Six Nations.

The Wales coach has captain Dewi Lake at his disposal, while the fit-again Ryan Elias, Brodie Coghlan and Belcher’s Cardiff team-mate Evan Lloyd are all options.

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