Warren Gatland on Monday dismissed the lack of Ken Owens after his captain grew to become the fifth participant to withdraw from Wales’ World Cup squad.

Hooker Owens has adopted his fellow skilled British & Irish Lions Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb in pulling out of preparations for the match in France.

The 36-year-old, who led Wales in a turbulent Six Nations on and off the sphere, is scuffling with a again downside which can but require surgical procedure.

Head coach Gatland admitted Owens gained’t make Wales’ ultimate World Cup social gathering however may doubtlessly be referred to as up as a alternative if he recovers. Owens isn’t retiring from rugby.

Wales’s Ken Owens has withdrawn from their World Cup coaching squad because of a again damage

The hooker is the fifth star to withdraw, with the legendary Alun Wyn Jones to overlook the match after asserting his retirement from worldwide rugby again in Could

Justin Tipuric (left) and Rhys Webb (proper) additionally joined Jones in retiring from Take a look at rugby

However his seemingly World Cup absence – together with that of Jones, Tipuric and Webb – means Gatland has misplaced a mammoth 402 caps of worldwide knowhow.

Lock Cory Hill additionally gained’t go to the World Cup to take up a contract provide overseas.

Prop Rhys Carre was dropped for not hitting health targets whereas fringe forwards Josh Macleod and Will Davies-King have additionally suffered damage.

‘He’s actually upset,’ Gatland mentioned of Owens. ‘He would possibly want an operation, but when he will get himself proper and again into coaching he may come into the reckoning if we get some accidents.

‘He has been a terrific servant for Welsh rugby however we now have some actual energy in depth within the squad.

‘There’s a group of gamers who’ve are available which might be actually enthusiastic. Among the older gamers are wanting over their shoulder on the youthful ones. They face some actual competitors.’

Gatland stays optimistic for the World Cup in France which will get underway in September 

It has been a troublesome yr for Welsh Rugby in 2023, with chaos reigning on and off the pitch 

With Jones and Owens now out, Gatland has admitted he would possibly identify co-captains for the World Cup with younger tyros Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake potential choices.

After a disrupted build-up of preparations in Wales, Gatland’s squad go to Switzerland on Monday for a coaching camp at altitude.

Backs Owen Williams and Alex Cuthbert gained’t be travelling because of private causes whereas Taulupe Faletau can be a late arrival.

The No 8 has a calf damage and has simply welcomed the arrival of his third baby.