Wales have been dealt a significant blow to their World Cup plans as British & Irish Lions No8 Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of Rugby World Cup 2019 after suffering an injury during training. Having only just returned from a broken arm that kept him out of the Six Nations, Faletau has broken his clavicle and will require surgical repair.
Having been first choice at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups, the 28-year-old has been stricken with repeat injuries in recent years. Faletau played only two tests during the 2018 Six Nations and has not taken the field for Wales since March 17 of that year.
Warren Gatland will now turn to Richard Moriarty and Ross Navidi to cover the key back row position. Both were given starts in the No8 shirt during the 2019 Six Nations. Wales have been drawn in Pool D at the World Cup and will play Uruguay on Sunday, October 13, in Kumamoto.