The 34-year-old is yet to play in the Heineken Champions Cup this season but will be looking to help Scarlets overcome Sale Sharks in the last 16 on the weekend of 2/3/4 April.

Owens scored Wales’ third try with just over 20 minutes gone as the visitors ran riot at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Cardiff Blues wing Josh Adams and Bath Rugby back-row Taulupe Faletau both crossed early on to add to a penalty from Northampton Saints’ Dan Biggar on three minutes.

Owens then scored his second try of the day with 30 minutes gone to give Wales a comfortable lead going into half time.

The onslaught continued after the break with Ospreys’ George North going over before Italy picked up their only points of the game through a try from Benetton Rugby’s Monty Ioane, converted by club teammate Paolo Garbisi

Wales’ replacement fly-half Callum Sheedy – who will face off against Bordeaux-Bègles for Bristol Bears in the Heineken Champions Cup last 16 – then scored his side’s sixth try.

Louis Rees-Zammit, who scored against Ulster Rugby to help Gloucester Rugby book a place Heineken Champions Cup last 16, crossed for Wales’ seventh and final try on 63 minutes.

Scarlets hooker Ken Owens scored two tries as Wales thrashed Italy 48-7 to stay on course for a Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam.