Wales name World Cup team

The group of 31 to represent Wales at the World Cup have been named by head coach Warren Gatland. As expected Sam Warburton will lead the team having done so in 2011 as well, with most of the squad the same that has been used throughout the Six Nations.

Some surprises include the absence of a third hooker, with a fifth lock selected instead, and the exclusion of promising midfielder Tyler Morgan. A knee injury to Alun Wyn Jones suffered against Ireland has prompted Dominic Day’s inclusion, likely at the expense of third string rake Kristian Dacey. Jones remains in the squad as one of a trio under injury cloud, including Scarlets duo Samson Lee and Liam Williams.

Nine players played their rugby outside the Welsh regions this past season, three in France and a handful in the Aviva Premiership. Diminutive Bristol utility Matthew Morgan is the only player present from second divison rugby.

Wales play a final warm-up match against Italy on September 5. Their tournament opens on September 20 in Cardiff as they host Uruguay in a Pool A encounter. Also in the group are Australia, England, and Fiji.

FORWARDS
Tomas Francis (Exeter), Paul James (Bath), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Dominic Day (Bath), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (capt., Cardiff Blues)

BACKS
Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Racing), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton), Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Liam Williams (Scarlets)