Welsh World Cup preparations have today been dealt a massive blow as captain Matthew Rees has been ruled out of the tournament in New Zealand after failing to overcome a persistent neck injury.
It had been hoped that he would be able to beat the neck disc injury to take part in the world cup before undergoing surgery, but it has become apparent that with the danger to the neck and the amount of pain that he is in that he needs the surgery sooner rather than later.
That leaves Huw Bennett and Lloyd Burns as the current hookers in the squad – with Ken Owens and Richard Hibbard having been added after overcoming injuries.
“The safety and longevity of Matthew’s career is paramount, we are all very disappointed that Matthew will not be with us in the World Cup but his health is at the fore of our decision,” said Prav Mathema, national medical performance manager for the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Matthew will not be available for selection after losing his race for fitness from a persistent neck injury.
“Following a series of injections and intensive treatment and rehabilitation the decision has been made to omit him from the squad to allow him to undergo surgery.
“The medical teams of both the Scarlets and the WRU concluded unanimously to proceed with surgery.”
Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard has been officially added to the squad after fully recovering from shoulder surgery and reaching full fitness whilst in training at national squad headquarters.
Hibbard will now join fellow Osprey Huw Bennett, Dragon Lloyd Burns and Scarlet Ken Owens in contention for selection to play against Argentina in Wales’ final RWC warm-up match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).
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