Wales' greatest fear confirmed with worrying impact on World Cup hopes

Wales captain Jac Morgan has been released from their squad after dislocating his shoulder against Argentina on Sunday in their opening match of the Quilter Nations Series.

The British and Irish Lions flanker’s injury did not look good at the time, and concerns were only compounded post-match when head coach Steve Tandy confirmed that the 25-year-old had dislocated his shoulder in the process of scoring a try.

However, Tandy did not rule out his captain immediately after 52-28 defeat in Cardiff, leaving a glimmer of hope for optimistic Welsh fans that their talisman could return. His absence for the rest of the campaign has now been confirmed.

Morgan’s uncapped Ospreys team-mate Harri Deaves has been called up in his place ahead of their fixture against Eddie Jones’ Japan, which is likely to have seismic repercussions.

With Wales ranked 12th in the world and Japan ranked 13th, the victor this Saturday is likely to secure a place in Band 2 (teams ranked 7-12) of the World Cup draw that is set to take place on December 3. Wales will have to do it without their captain and best player.

“We’re all gutted to lose Jac – he’s a world-class player, as well as a great man off the pitch,” Steve Tandy said.

“But this gives an opportunity now for someone else and Harri has been performing strongly for the Ospreys for a consistent period.”

Updated Wales squad
Forwards (22)
Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
Adam Beard (Montpellier – 59 caps)
Liam Belcher (Cardiff Rugby – 3 caps)
Rhys Carre (Saracens – 21 caps)
Ben Carter (Dragons – 13 caps)
Brodie Coghlan (Dragons – uncapped)
Christian Coleman (Dragons – 1 cap)
Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 1 cap)
Rhys Davies (Ospreys – 3 caps)
Harri Deaves (Ospreys – uncapped)
James Fender (Ospreys – uncapped)
Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 9 caps)
Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 24 caps)
Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 23 caps)
Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
Morgan Morse (Ospreys – uncapped)
Taine Plumtree (Scarlets – 8 caps)
Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 57 caps)
Danny Southworth (Cardiff Rugby – uncapped)
Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 42 caps)
Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 5 caps)
Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 60 caps)

Backs (17)
Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 64 caps)
Jacob Beetham (Cardiff Rugby – 1 cap)
Rio Dyer (Dragons – 23 caps)
Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 4 caps)
Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 12 caps)
Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 26 caps)
Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 5 caps)
Louie Hennessey (Bath Rugby – uncapped)
Max Llewellyn (Gloucester Rugby – 9 caps)
Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys – 1 cap)
Blair Murray (Scarlets – 11 caps)
Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 33 caps)
Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 12 caps)
Callum Sheedy (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 41 caps)
Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 65 caps)