Wales suffer another WC setback
Wales suffered a second major setback ahead of the Rugby World Cup when scrumhalf Rhys Webb was ruled out of the tournament.
|||London - Wales suffered a second major setback ahead of the Rugby World Cup when scrumhalf Rhys Webb was ruled out of the tournament on Tuesday with a serious foot injury.
Webb suffered the injury in a warm-up match against Italy on the weekend and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) released a statement saying he would be unable to play in the World Cup, starting Sept. 18.
“Wales scrum half Rhys Webb has sustained a significant midfoot injury ruling him out of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup,” the WRU said.
“Rhys will undergo further examination and assessments on both his foot and knee before further details can be announced.”
Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny, whose superb goalkicking has been a key part of their success in recent years, was also ruled out of the tournament on Monday with a knee injury suffered in the same practice match.
The WRU said scrumhalf Mike Phillips and wing Eli Walker had been added to the squad as replacements.
“It is extremely disappointing for both Leigh and Rhys,” Wales head coach Warren 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.”
Walker made his international debut against Ireland last month while Phillips will head to his third Rugby World Cup.
Wales are drawn in the toughest of the four groups alongside England and Australia. They open their World Cup campaign against Uruguay in Cardiff on September 20. – Reuters