Wales axe star trio as Gatland trims squad

Three of Welsh rugby’s biggest names — James Hook, Mike Phillips and Richard Hibbard — face uncertain international futures after seeing their World Cup hopes extinguished.

The British and Irish Lions trio, who have represented Wales 210 times between them, are among eight players to fall at the penultimate World Cup selection hurdle ahead of next month’s global extravaganza.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland’s decision to cut his World Cup training squad to a 38-man group also means no places for centre Jack Dixon, Hook’s fellow fly-half Rhys Patchell, prop Nicky Smith, lock Rory Thornton and number eight Dan Baker.