LONDON – Wales first choice scrum half Rhys Webb has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup in the second blow to Wales’ Rugby World Cup chances in 24 hours.
The call on the scrum half comes under 24 hours after fullback Leigh Halfpenny was also ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering a knee injury against Italy on Saturday.
Rhys Webb suffered a knee injury after his leg was caught under him in a tackle in the same match however, he’s also thought to have suffered an ankle injury in the incident.
The double blow has significantly weakened Wales’ chances to get out of their pool with Webb and Halfpenny playing major roles in the Welsh squad. However, the injury opens the door for Mike Phillips who has been called into the squad as cover. It was thought that Phillips wouldn’t make an appearance in the red shirt again after being omitted from Gatland’s original 31-man RWC squad.
Ospreys winger Eli Walker has been called into the side to replace Halfpenny with Gareth Anscombe missing out through injury.