Wales are continuing their preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, and have trimmed their squad down to 38 following a defeat to Ireland in their first warm-up match last weekend.
With seven more players to be cut before their final 38 man squad is named, Warren Gatland has axed a few big names, although not all of them were a surprise.
Mike Phillips, James Hook, and Richard Hibbard are the stand-out names from those who have been cut, and while there was a certain inevitability over the decision to omit Phillips and Hook, due to the pair falling out of favour with Gatland, Richard Hibbard is somewhat a surprise, especially this early as there are still another round of cuts to go and with the hooker being given playing time by Gatland on the successful Lions tour of Austalia in 2013.
The above three are joined by Nicky Smith, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Rhys Patchell, and Jack Dixon in the group of players today cut from the squad.
Wales will be facing England, Australia, Uruguay, and Fiji in World Cup pool A, and have another warm-up match against Ireland before their final warm-up against Italy in Cardiff.
via BBC Sport.
