Wales affirms that number eight Taulupe Faletau continues to be considered for the World Cup despite his calf injury.
Although Faletau did not join the team's training camp in Turkey, he remains part of the 48-man squad.
Regrettably, the 32-year-old will be unavailable for the opening warm-up game against England on 5 August. Nevertheless, Wales maintains an optimistic outlook regarding his recovery and potential contributions in the future.
“His rehab is going well so we are very hopeful he will be available for selection for the World Cup,” forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys told reporters.
“Hopefully he will play but I don’t think it’s something we’ll massively push if he’s not 100%,
“If he doesn’t feature it’s not going to necessarily rule him out.”
Wales opted not to include Faletau or the other injured players - Johnny Williams, Joe Roberts, Owen Williams, and Alex Cuthbert - in their squad for the trip to Turkey.
“He’s coming back so it was just a question of do you drag him out here to do some stuff or can he do it back home, and spend a lot more time with his family?
“So, the decision was made he can do the same rehab process back home. It’s looking positive for him.”
England’s World Cup fixtures confirmed with routine route to final
*England fixtures in bold.
Round 1:
Saturday 9th September: England vs Argentina, 20:00 kick-off: Pool D
Saturday 9th September: Ireland vs Romania, 14:30 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday 10th September: South Africa vs Scotland, 16:45 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday10th September: Wales vs Fiji, 20:00 kick-off: Pool C
England's, Lewis Moody battles with Argentina's Santiago Fernandez - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - 14/11/2009 - SPORT - Rugby Union - International - Investec Challenge - England v Argentina - Twickenham
Round 2:
Saturday 16th September: Wales vs Final Qualifier Winner, 16:45 kick-off: Pool C
Saturday 16th September: Ireland vs Tonga, 20:00 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday 17th September: England vs Japan, 20:00 kick-off: Pool D
Alex Lozowski of England commits a tackle during the Quilter International Match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 17th November 2018. [Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK]
Round 3:
Saturday 23rd September: England vs Chile, 16:45 kick-off: Pool D
Saturday 23rd September: South Africa vs Ireland, 20:00 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday 24th September: Scotland vs Tonga, 16:45 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday 24th September: Wales vs Australia, 20:00 kick-off: Pool C
Marcus Smith of England and Alex Dombrandt of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
Round 4:
Saturday 30th September: Scotland vs Romania, 20:00 kick-off: Pool B
Round 5:
Saturday 7th October: Wales vs Georgia, 14:00 kick-off: Pool C
Saturday 7th October: England vs Georgia, 16:45 kick-off: Pool D
Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Saturday 7th October: Ireland vs Scotland, 20:00 kick-off: Pool B
Knockout rounds:
After the group stages the winners and runners up of each group will progress, meaning both Ireland and Scotland can make it through if results go in their favour.
Each of the eight quarter-finals will be played on Saturday 14th October and Sunday 15th October with two games on each day kicking off at 4pm and 8pm.
Semi-finals on 20 October and 21 October, both games at 8pm, could see each British side make it further into the competition provided they don't get knocked out and possibly propel them into a final on Saturday 28th October at 8pm.
The Webb Ellis Cup - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/10/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 FINAL - New Zealand v Australia - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading