Excess baggage: Which stars won't be on the plane to the Rugby World Cup?

The countdown is on to the rugby’s showpiece event in New Zealand. But which players need not worry about finding the passport?

TALISMANIC FRENCH NO 8 Sébastien Chabal has been left out of France’s provisional 32-man squad for the World Cup in September.

The Toulouse centre Yannick Jauzion, who was one of eight dropped after the shock defeat to Italy in the Six Nations Championship, has also been omitted.

So what other big names might be left kicking their heels with the rest of us as the world’s greatest gather in New Zealand?

Excess baggage: Which stars won't be on the plane to the Rugby World Cup?

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Phil Godman
The Edinburgh fly half was the proverbial 'first name on the teamsheet' for Andy Robinson. A dip in form followed by an injury allowed Dan Parks to take his place. Ruaridh Jackson is now Scotland’s first-choice No 10 and the Edinburgh kicker is well back in the pecking order.
Luke Fitzgerald
The Leinster man has endured a season in which he seems to have lost the ability to catch or hold the ball at times. His place in Ireland's squad - seemingly a gimme in the recent past - is now under threat from the likes of provincial team-mate Fergus McFadden. He'll probably be included though right?
Andy Powell
Wales boss Warren Gatland says the door isn't closed on the troubled No 8. Powell left Wasps last week after an alleged bar-room brawl left him with a head injury. He's currently without a club and will not be part of the squad to face the Barbarians next month. Source: David Jones/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Danny Cipriani
The former England man was recently barred from travelling to South Africa with his Melbourne Rebels team-mates - after a vote by players. He won't be in New Zealand with England. Source: David Davies/PA Wire.