MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 02:45:17| >> :600:209152:209152:

Matthew Rees a World Cup doubt

Matthew Rees a World Cup doubt
© PA Photos
Hooker Matthew Rees is likely to miss this year's World Cup with continuing neck troubles.

Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees looks likely to miss this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand after he was again left out of Warren Gatland’s warm-up plans.

The captaincy will once again be handed to Blues flanker Sam Warburton for Wales’s clash with England in Cardiff on Saturday.

Regular Wales captain Rees, 30, is out of action with a neck problem that is likely to require surgery.

“He has had an injection, but he is still in a lot of pain," Gatland said. “It looks like he will need an operation sooner, rather than later. We will have to sit down and discuss things with him.”

Former British and Irish Lion Rees captained Wales through last season’s Six Nations tournament and the Autumn internationals series.

Warren Gatland will name his 30-man World Cup squad on August 22.

ID:1541: cacheID:1541:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1979:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gavin Henson
Read Next:
Henson aims to 'turn tables' on rivals
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!