Welsh star Henson ruled out of World Cup

GAVIN HENSON has been ruled out of the World Cup after failing to make the Wales squad for Saturday’s Test against England at Twickenham.

Henson has been struggling for fitness after suffering an Achilles injury in training, the latest in string of problems to affect him since the Lions tour in 2005.

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins confirmed yesterday that Henson had run out of time to prove he would be ready for the tournament.

“We have taken an early decision on Gavin and decided that he is no longer in contention for the squad which must be named before August 14th and so not considered him for selection against England,” said Jenkins.

“We have given him every opportunity to make it and it has been a tough summer for Gavin which he has worked hard.

“But the recent Achilles injury in particular has meant he’s not been able to train at full pelt and that has reflected in his conditioning. I think we all agree he is not where he needs to be.

“We have talked to him today and he is very understanding. It was a tough call but a call that was necessary and one we had to make sooner rather than later for his sake as well as ours.”

Jenkins added, however, that Henson would remain on standby in case the squad are hit by other injuries.

The Wales squad to face England on Saturday is a mix-and-match affair, with Ceri Sweeney to start at fly-half following Stephen Jones’ groin injury. James Hook is on the bench.

Gareth Cooper starts at scrum-half while Gareth Thomas captains the team from inside centre, with Aled Brew and Dafydd James on the wing and Lee Byrne at full-back.

Jenkins has awarded Gloucester lock Will James his debut while Alun-Wyn Jones switches to the back row alongside Colin Charvis and Michael Owen.

Meanwhile, uncapped Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss has been handed a golden chance to press his England World Cup claims. The 25-year-old is England’s solitary newcomer, lining up alongside midfield partner Andy Farrell, who is also battling for a place.

Lawrence Dallaglio, though, will have to impress from the bench after England head coach Brian Ashton opted for a back row of Martin Corry, Joe Worsley and Nick Easter.

Corry reverts to the blind-side flanker’s role after finishing last season’s RBS 6 Nations campaign as a lock.