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Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe ruled out of World Cup

Gareth Anscombe suffered a knee injury against England
Image: Gareth Anscombe has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury

Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe will miss the Rugby World Cup after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Ospreys number 10, an integral part of Wales' Six Nations title and Grand Slam-winning campaign last season, suffered a knee injury during Sunday's World Cup warm-up defeat against England at Twickenham.

He follows Bath No 8 Taulupe Faletau, who suffered a broken collarbone during Wales training, in missing the competition.

Taulupe Faletau suffered a broken collarbone during Wales training,
Image: Taulupe Faletau suffered a broken collarbone during Wales training

The Welsh Rugby Union statement said: "Gareth Anscombe is out of Rugby World Cup contention after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the match against England yesterday.

"His prognosis and management with be determined following further specialist reviews.

"The Wales squad and management would like to wish Gareth the very best with his recovery."

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Anscombe, 28, was helped from the field just before half-time as Wales went down to a 33-19 loss.

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He has won 27 caps, but now misses out on the chance to represent Wales in Japan.

Dan Biggar is the obvious candidate to reclaim Wales' number 10 shirt - he has won more than 70 caps and scored almost 350 Test points - with Rhys Patchell and Jarrod Evans also options.

Gareth Anscombe of Wales kicks during the International Friendly match between Wales and South Africa on November 24, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Image: Anscombe picked up the injury during Wales' loss to England at Twickenham

Wales continue their World Cup warm-up Tests against England in Cardiff next Saturday, live on Sky Sports, which is followed by home and away appointments with Ireland.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his final 31-man World Cup squad on September 1, 22 days before a tournament opener against Georgia in Toyota City.

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