Leigh Halfpenny: Wales full-back 'gutted' to miss World Cup
Rugby World Cup |
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Host: England Dates: 18 September-31 October |
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Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live and sports extra, BBC Radio Wales and in Welsh on BBC Radio Cymru, plus live text commentary on every match on the BBC Sport website. |
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny says he is "gutted" to have been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a knee injury.
Toulon's Halfpenny, 26, ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligaments during Wales' 23-19 win over Italy.
Writing on Twitter, he thanked fans for their support and backed Wales to win the World Cup in his absence.
"Whilst I'm gutted I won't be able to see through this particular journey, I've no doubt the squad has what it takes to go all the way," he said.
"Along with the rest of the country, I'll be passionately cheering on the Welsh boys and would like to wish them all the very best."
Highlights: Wales 23-19 Italy
British and Irish Lions player Halfpenny and scrum-half Rhys Webb were both ruled out of the World Cup following their injuries in the warm-up win against Italy.
'Life has to go on'
Halfpenny's likely replacement at full-back, Liam Williams, has not played since having foot surgery in June.
But Wales head coach Warren Gatland says Williams will start Wales' World Cup opener against Uruguay in Cardiff on 20 September.
"I am devastated not to be taking part in the 2015 World Cup but injuries are part of professional sport and life has to go on," added Halfpenny.
"For me, this will involve working towards playing again."
Scarlets full-back Liam Williams has won 23 caps for Wales, scoring two tries
The other two potential full-backs in Wales' 31-man squad - Bristol's Matthew Morgan and Newport Gwent Dragons' Hallam Amos - have six caps between them.
After starting their World Cup campaign against Uruguay, Wales play hosts England, Fiji and Australia their remaining Pool A matches.
But they will have to do without Halfpenny, who was a part of the Welsh squad which reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2011.
"I want to thank everyone for the immense support I've received," the former Cardiff Blues full-back added.
"It has been truly humbling and overwhelming.
"I wish I could thank everyone individually, but I can say that the support I've received from the medical staff at the Millennium Stadium, all of my team-mates and coaches, everyone at both the WRU [Welsh Rugby Union] and my club Toulon, my sponsors, management, friends, family, fellow professionals and, in particular, from the general public around the world, has helped me immeasurably."
Wales' final World Cup squad
Props: Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets).
Hookers: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets).
Locks: Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Dominic Day (Bath), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys).
Back-rows: Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).
Scrum-halves: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing 92), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues).
Fly-halves: Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Rhys Priestland (Bath).
Centres: Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Scott Williams (Scarlets).
Wings: Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Eli Walker (Ospreys).
Full-back: Liam Williams (Scarlets).
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