Welsh rugby stars, Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb, have been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering injuries in the final warm up game against Italy last weekend.
Scrum-half Webb fell awkwardly during a ruck in the first half and has now been ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury. Webb requires more tests before more information can be given about his injury and potential surgery. It was confirmed today that Mike Phillips would be his replacement.
— Rhys Webb (@rhyswebb9) September 8, 2015
Halfpenny has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to be out for several months. It was also confirmed today that Eli Williams will be replacing Halfpenny in the squad.
Both Phillips and Walker made the extended training squad but were released when Warren Gatland announced his 31 man squad at the end of August.
Gatland spoke of his dissapointment of the injuries at the recent WRU press conference but said that it was a great opportunity for both Walker and Phillips to prove themselves after narrowly missing out in the first place.
Whilst Walker has been drafted into the team, it is expected that Liam Williams will take Halfpenny’s place in the starting XV, even though he has not played since having foot surgery in June.
Wales World Cup squad:
Props: Tomas Francis, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Gethin Jenkins, Samson Lee.
Hookers: Scott Baldwin, Ken Owens.
Locks: Jake Ball, Luke Charteris, Dominic Day, Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones.
Back-rows: Taulupe Faletau, James King, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton.
Scrum-halves: Mike Phillips, Gareth Davies, Lloyd Williams.
Fly-halves: Dan Biggar, Matthew Morgan, Rhys Priestland.
Centres: Cory Allen, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams.
Wings: Alex Cuthbert, George North, Cory Allen, Hallam Amos.
Full-backs: Liam Williams, Eli Walker.
