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Dwayne Peel says he would welcome a return to Welsh rugby, particularly if a chance arose to rejoin Scarlets.

Scrum-half Peel, 31, insists he is happy at Sale, who he joined in 2008, and is under contract until the end of the 2013-14 season.

But asked whether he would join a Welsh region, he said: "Yes, definitely. My heart is obviously with the Scarlets, having spent so much time there.

"It would be great if that opportunity came up, but I'm happy at Sale."

Peel was part of the first Llanelli Scarlets squad on its inception as a region in 2003, having started his professional career with the club side three years earlier.

Scarlets have released Tavis Knoyle from his contract a year early to join English Premiership side Gloucester, but the Llanelli-based region are unlikely to seek a replacement.

They have three other scrum-halves on their books in Aled Davies, Gareth Davies and Rhodri Williams, all of whom impressed at various stages in 2012-13.

Peel has endured a torrid Sale season, which began with seven successive defeats in the English Premiership.

The Sharks spent the majority of the season at the bottom of the English Premiership table, but recovered to finish ahead of since-relegated London Welsh - who were deducted five points - and Worcester.

Andy Powell played a key role in Sale's end-of-season revival, but the former Wales number eight will not be alongside Peel next season having decided to switch codes to join rugby league side Wigan Warriors.

"That's not for me," added Peel. "Andy's decided to go that way and it's a real brave call from him.

"I admire him for doing it, it's not easy to go and try it so I hope it works out for him.

"He's such an athlete so I'm sure he will be fine."

Peel, who has not played for Wales since making two appearances as a replacement in 2011, will return to the international stage on Sunday to face England with the Barbarians.

He could also be involved when the Baa-Baas face the British and Irish Lions, set to be dominated by Welshman, in Hong Kong on Saturday, 1 June.