Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb have both been ruled out of the World Cup after after suffering injury in Wales‘ 23-19 win over Italy on Saturday.
The Lions full-back was stretched off ten minutes from time with serious knee ligament injury while scrum-half Webb didn’t make it to the half-hour going down with an ankle injury.
After what is a major blow to Wales’ hopes, Warren Gatland has been forced to recall Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips and Ospreys wing Eli Walker who had been dropped before the final cut this summer.
Webb posted a message on social media saying: “Really disappointed to be ruled out of the RWC. After all the hard work I’ve put in over the summer, words can’t describe how I’m feeling.”
And Gatland added: “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 it 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.”