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Cory Hill becomes the latest player to quit Wales' World Cup squad
By PA
Cory Hill has become the latest player to withdraw from Wales’ preliminary World Cup training squad. The former Cardiff and Dragons lock, who had been playing in Japan, was recalled by Wales head coach Warren Gatland following two years out of Test rugby.
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But 31-year-old Hill has pulled out of the squad to pursue a club contract opportunity outside of Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union said. “I am gutted to be leaving the squad, but an opportunity has come up and I need to take it for my family,” Hill said.
“Wishing the boys all the best at the World Cup, and I hope to be back in a Wales jersey in the future.”
Gatland named a 54-man group last month for the tournament in France later this year. Lock Alun Wyn Jones, flanker Justin Tipuric and scrum-half Rhys Webb, who have 291 Wales caps between them, subsequently announced their retirements from international rugby.
Cardiff prop Rhys Carre was then released from the squad after he failed to meet individual performance targets. It is understood that Gatland has no plans to call up a replacement for Hill, whose new club want him available for them during the World Cup period in September and October.
Hill made his Wales debut against Australia in 2016, while his 32nd and latest appearance came during the 2021 Six Nations against France. Gatland’s remaining second row options in his squad are Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Rhys Davies, Teddy Williams and Christ Tshiunza.
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Disappointing performance by the Allblack captain after coming on and knocking it on, ball cannon of the head and being shrugged off in an attempted tackle. Need to get two loose forwards into the bench for the Irish game and ensure its Jacobson and Blackadder
Go to commentsI've said it before and I'll say it again It's not the quality of the players anymore - it's the quality of the plays meaning game plan and tactics - attacking and defense It boils down to the coach, Aus has a coach Eddie who is full of shit. And wales has a very good catch this WC that's it. Aus rugby has gone down the drain because of Eddie and also because of Rugby Australia who made this harsh decision to cut out Dave before the end of this WC - they are the real culprits. You shouldn't let another coach come in the last minute and change the team, simply put you can't blame Eddie his a last minute change. Should have put Eddie in charge after this WC which is already over now for Aus.
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