Wales have suffered a second major injury blow ahead of the Rugby World Cup, with fly-half Gareth Anscombe ruled out of the tournament. The 28-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the 33-19 warm-up defeat to England at Twickenham on Sunday.
Anscombe, a key figure in Wales's Six Nations Grand Slam victory last season, was helped off the field just before half-time. The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed the diagnosis, stating that his prognosis and management will be determined following further specialist reviews.
This follows the loss of number eight Taulupe Faletau, who broke his collarbone during training. Both players will miss the World Cup in Japan, dealing a significant blow to Warren Gatland's squad.
Dan Biggar, with over 70 caps and almost 350 Test points, is the leading candidate to take over the number 10 jersey. Rhys Patchell and Jarrod Evans are also options for the position.
Wales continue their warm-up series against England in Cardiff next Saturday, followed by two matches against Ireland. Gatland is set to name his final 31-man squad on 1 September, 22 days before the tournament opener against Georgia.
