Hansen names Wales World Cup squad

Llanelli forward Chris Wyatt has been overlooked for a place in Wales’ World Cup squad, announced today by coach Steve Hansen.

Wyatt, capped 36 times, is among a handful of players to miss out, with Cardiff pair Jamie Robinson and Ben Evans also ignored.

But there are call-ups for Shane Williams, whose versatility as a wing or scrum-half will be priceless in Australia, Llanelli wing Garan Evans and Celtic Warriors lock Brent Cockbain, brother of Australia international Matt.

Hansen has named 31 players, and will reduce his current four-strong contingent of hookers to three by the World Cup deadline date of September 10.

“Chris Wyatt has been very, very unlucky to miss out on a second World Cup,” said Hansen.

“Naturally, he is disappointed, and we have had a long talk, and I still see him having a future for Wales. Unfortunately, we could only take four locks with us this time.

“The combination we have selected we feel is better suited for this particular tournament.”

“Overall, the selection process was a difficult one to go through as, for once, we have more than 30 quality players to choose from.

“But by being allowed to use the games in August for selection purposes, our overall selection has been aided.

“This has been a tough selection process. There has been so much at stake for all the players over the past few weeks, and they have trained exceptionally hard as a group.

“Everyone involved in the build-up to our four Tests in August showed the kind of burning desire required to play for their country, but, because we are restricted to 30 players in Australia, there are obviously some very disappointed men today.”

Hansen revealed that versatility was important in some areas of selection, identifying Rhys Williams, Gareth Thomas and Tom Shanklin as particular examples, in addition to Shane Williams and former Leeds rugby league star Iestyn Harris.

Hansen said that he would be “addressing the captaincy issue” at a later date.

Wales are in the same qualifying group as New Zealand, Italy, Canada and Tonga down under, and are likely to meet England in the quarter-finals if they get that far.