Wales out-half Gareth Anscombe has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup next month after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against England on Saturday.
The 28-year-old left the field during the first half of Saturday’s 33-19 loss at Twickenham and left the stadium on crutches.
Welsh Rugby Union confirmed in a statement today
that Anscombe’s injury will leave him out of the World Cup, however, the extent
of his injury is not yet fully known.
“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,” the statement said.
The former All Blacks U20’s injury will
also come as a blow to new club the Ospreys after joining them from the Cardiff
Blues this summer but now appears set to miss a chunk of the season.
Anscombe had paved his way to being Wales’
first-choice No 10 during the nations Grand Slam winning Six Nations campaign
earlier this year, however, in his absence Dan Biggar will most likely take the
jersey.
He will be sorely missed during the tournament
in Japan and it will definitely change Warren Gatland’s plans but it remains to
be seen as to how much his absence will affect them.
