Hansen cuts Welsh squad to 42

Wales national coach Steve Hansen has trimmed his squad for the August internationals against Ireland, England, Romania and Scotland to 42 players.

Already ruled out of the original 55-man squad were Bath back row man Gareth Delve, who underwent a shoulder operation in the summer, Northampton Saints lock Steve Williams, who has retired from Test rugby, and Llanelli Scarlets centre Leigh Davies, who has withdrawn to concentrate on regaining full fitness.

Six more injured players have been excluded from the current training group to work under the guidance of Wales physio Mark Davies and fitness coach Andrew Hore; three further players have been sent back to their regions to work with their teams and Matthew Rees has been forced out because of injury.

"The six injured players - Kevin Morgan, Craig Morgan, Ryan Powell, Hal Luscombe, Matthew Watkins and Dafydd James - will all be working hard on their rehabilitation with Mark Davies and Andrew Hore," explained Hansen.

"At the moment it doesn't look as though either Kevin or Craig Morgan will be ready for the August Tests and we are awaiting to assess Dafydd James' shoulder problem when he returns from his honeymoon.

"The others all look as though they will be able to play some part in the four games, although the news on Matthew Rees is that he is likely to have to spend three months on the sidelines resting his pelvic problem.

"As regards the three players we have sent back to work with their clubs - Martyn Madden, Deiniol Jones and James Bater - I've told them all that the hard work they have already put in during the fitness testing will be of great value. They will all be considered for selection for the August games.

"We are required to declare our 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in the first week of September, but until that time the door remains open for any player to force his way into contention for a trip to Australia.

"We will be monitoring all the pre-season friendlies played by the new regional sides and will be keeping an open mind throughout our Test matches in August."