Warren Gatland has called up Mike Phillips and Eli Walker in the wake of the injuries sustained by Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb in the 23-19 warm-up win against Italy that has ruled the pair out of this year’s Rugby World Cup.
This morning the BBC confirmed that Webb would also have to pull out of the Wales squad with a foot injury after Halfpenny was yesterday ruled out after rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments on Saturday.
However, there was still a slim chance of hope that both players would be able to recover in time for the start of the tournament on September 18 with Wales playing their opening game on September 20 against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium but the results from the scans on both players injuries dashed any hopes that they would make it when the true extent of the injuries were revealed.
Phillips and Walker, who were both initially cut from the squad, now have the opportunity to re-establish themselves in the squad with both Halfpenny and Webb deemed pivotal to any success should Wales do well at this month’s tournament.
Wales head coach Gatland said: “It is extremely disappointing for both Leigh and Rhys.
“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.”
And despite both players being ruled out for the Rugby World Cup Wales have said that further assessments will be required to assess whether either player requires surgery.
