Cory Hill included in Wales' World Cup squad, Rob Evans misses out

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed a 31-man squad for the upcoming World Cup that kicks-off later this month in Japan.

Lock Cory Hill, who last featured during the Six Nations in February makes a comeback and will be looking to add to his 25 Test caps, even though his participation in the group stages of the tournament seems uncertain. He also captained Wales during the two-Test series against Argentina in summer last year.

Rhys Patchell has been chosen as a cover to Dan Biggar ahead of Jarrod Evans but props Rob Evans and Samson Lee miss out on selection. Alun Wyn Jones on his fourth World Cup appearance will continue to captain the squad with Jake Ball, Adam Beard and Cory Hill being the other second-row options.

James Davies, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Aaron Shingler, Justin Tipuric and Aaron Wainwright comprise the back-row options while Gareth Davies, Aled Davies and Tomos Williams are scrum-halves preferred by Gatland.

“Selection is always the toughest part of the job and that is especially true come RWC time,” said Gatland.

“Reducing the squad down to 31 has been extremely hard especially when you look at the depth we have created and the amount of the work the training squad have put in, for some, 14 weeks of training.

“We are really happy with the final 31, we feel there is an excellent blend to the squad, in terms of talent, experience and age profile and we are all incredibly excited about heading to Japan and what lies ahead.

“These players have performed and delivered for Wales and deserve the opportunity to represent their nation at the game’s showpiece tournament.”

Wales World Cup squad:

Forwards: Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, James Davies, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Ken Owens, Aaron Shingler, Nicky Smith, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams.