Cape Town - Kings captain Luke Watson will make a return to the playing field when they take on Griquas in their final pre-season outing on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined since October last year with a shoulder injury. He has therefore missed all their Super Rugby pre-season games this year, in which they managed unimpressive victories over the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (28-12) and an SWD Franchise XV (29-13), followed by a 41-31 loss to the Lions on Saturday.

Watson told the Rugby365 website his body is feeling "pretty good" after the lengthy layoff.

"It has been a long, hard pre-season with a lot of work. The body is holding up very well and I am ready for the first game of the season."

He said he will feature in the match-day squad against Griquas in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

"I'll be up and running for that one. I have been on the (training) field for just over two weeks.

"I resumed full training with the team this past week. I am slowly, but surely, getting there and getting the legs running again.

"The fitness seems pretty good, so I am looking forward to playing against Griquas and getting back on the field."

The Kings start their Super Rugby campaign at home to Australia's Force on February 23.