WALES HAVE BEEN dealt a further World Cup injury blow as scrum-half Rhys Webb has been ruled out of the tournament, less than two weeks before the opening game.
It follows yesterday’s news that Leigh Halfpenny will also miss the tournament after being ruled out for six months with an ACL injury he sustained in the warm-up win over Italy on Saturday.
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Webb suffered a foot injury during the same game at the Millenium Stadium and his withdrawal was confirmed on Tuesday morning by the Welsh Rugby Union.
The 26-year-old Ospreys scrum-half will now undergo further examinations on his foot and knee to determine the extent of the injury.
Mike Phillips and Eli Walker, both of whom were in Warren Gatland’s extended squad but missed the final cut, have been called-up.
“It is extremely disappointing for both Leigh and Rhys,” Gatland said. “They have worked exceptionally hard to establish themselves on the world stage and to prepare for the tournament and we wish them all the best with their recovery.
“After announcing the squad we spoke about the need for players to remain ready for action and is a great opportunity for Mike and Eli. It’s great that we can call on players of this calibre. To bring Mike’s experience into the squad is a bonus along with Eli’s exciting talent.”
Wales begin their Pool A campaign against Uruguay in Cardiff on Sunday 20 September.
Lightning strikes twice as Wales' World Cup chances suffer another blow
WALES HAVE BEEN dealt a further World Cup injury blow as scrum-half Rhys Webb has been ruled out of the tournament, less than two weeks before the opening game.
It follows yesterday’s news that Leigh Halfpenny will also miss the tournament after being ruled out for six months with an ACL injury he sustained in the warm-up win over Italy on Saturday.
Webb suffered a foot injury during the same game at the Millenium Stadium and his withdrawal was confirmed on Tuesday morning by the Welsh Rugby Union.
The 26-year-old Ospreys scrum-half will now undergo further examinations on his foot and knee to determine the extent of the injury.
Mike Phillips and Eli Walker, both of whom were in Warren Gatland’s extended squad but missed the final cut, have been called-up.
“It is extremely disappointing for both Leigh and Rhys,” Gatland said. “They have worked exceptionally hard to establish themselves on the world stage and to prepare for the tournament and we wish them all the best with their recovery.
“After announcing the squad we spoke about the need for players to remain ready for action and is a great opportunity for Mike and Eli. It’s great that we can call on players of this calibre. To bring Mike’s experience into the squad is a bonus along with Eli’s exciting talent.”
Wales begin their Pool A campaign against Uruguay in Cardiff on Sunday 20 September.
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another man down Double Blow Double trouble Wales