Taulupe Faletau ruled out of World Cup
File photo dated 11-03-2018 of Wales' Taulupe Faletau during the NatWest 6 Nations match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
Grand Slam winners Wales have suffered a huge blow after announcing that star number eight Taulupe Faletau will miss the Rugby World Cup due to injury.
The back-rower struggled for fitness throughout the previous campaign after breaking his arm twice for Bath in 2018/19.
He recovered from those setbacks to take part in the national team’s preparations for the upcoming global tournament, but Faletau has now sustained a clavicle injury.
It requires surgery and, although a timeframe has yet to be declared, the 28-year-old will not be ready in time to take part in Japan.
A statement read: “The injury was sustained in an innocuous training ground incident and will require surgery. A prognosis and return to play timeframe will be established after surgery.
“The Wales squad and management would like to wish Taulupe the very best with his recovery.”
Warren Gatland’s men managed impressively without Faletau during the Six Nations, winning the Grand Slam, but his excellent all-round game will be missed in the World Cup.