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LONDON - Wales centre Gavin Henson will miss the World Cup because he is out of condition following a series of injuries, the Welsh Rugby Union said on Tuesday.
Henson, who is also out of Sunday's (NZ time) game against England at Twickenham, has suffered from pelvis, knee, Achilles tendon and toe injuries over the past two years.
"We have taken an early decision on Gavin and decided that he is no longer in contention for the Rugby World Cup squad which must be named before August 14th and so not considered him for selection against England," Wales coach Gareth Jenkins told www.wru.co.uk.
"He's had every opportunity we could have given him, but the recent Achilles injury in particular has meant he's not been able to train at full pelt and that has reflected in his conditioning.
"He is disappointed, but I think he's realised he's been fighting a bit of a losing battle in the last month. Henson said: "I can understand the decision that's been taken... I would have thought that I'd be at full fitness by September, it's just these games have come around too soon for me."
Meanwhile, Jenkins has named a re-shuffled side for the clash against England as he looks finalises his Cup squad.
Captain Gareth Thomas, chasing his 50th career win, will be at second five-eighth, alongside Tom Shanklin, with Dafydd James getting a chance on the left wing and Aled Brew on the right.
Lee Byrne has been picked at fullback, with Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Cooper as halfbacks. Will James is set to win his first cap up front at 30 years old.
Wales start their World Cup in Pool B against Canada in Nantes on Sept 9. The tournament ends on Oct 20 in Paris.
Wales: Lee Byrne; Aled Brew, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas (captain), Dafydd James; Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper; Iestyn Thomas, Huw Bennett, Chris Horsman, Will James, Rob Sidoli, Alun-Wyn Jones, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen
Replacements: Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas, T Rhys Thomas, Alix Popham, Mike Phillips, James Hook, Tom James
- REUTERS
