Star Wallabies utility Drew Mitchell has been included in the NSW Super Rugby squad to tour South Africa and is on track for an incredible return to the game.

Mitchell was expected to miss the entire season with an ankle injury, with the problem so serious some medical specialists advised him that his rugby career was over.

However, earlier in the year some rest and relaxation in the United States got Mitchell’s mind off the devastation and he returned to training with a positive attitude and a responsive ankle.

After he passed a final fitness test on Friday, Waratahs coach Michael Foley confirmed Mitchell will jet out with the team on Saturday for their two matches against the Stormers and Cheetahs, and is on track to play the second fixture in Bloemfontein.

“(Mitchell’s inclusion) is on the basis that he’s tracking pretty well to be involved in the second game as part of the match 22,” said Foley.

Mitchell’s pending return is a silver lining for a side on the ropes after a devastating final-minute 27-24 defeat to the Bulls on Friday night at Allianz Stadium.

They head to South Africa with their finals hopes virtually extinguished.

However, Mitchell’s presence will give morale a boost and the classy back is excited to be back.

“It means a fair bit, I’ve only played two or three games in the last 13 months so I’m pretty close to being a rugby player again,” Mitchell told ABC radio.

“I tried to remain positive but it’s hard sometimes when specialists do tell you you won’t come back from it.

“It’s a pretty big thing for me.”