Ken Owens has been released from Wales’ World Cup squad.
The Scarlets hooker had captained Warren Gatland’s side during this year’s Six Nations, but will play no part in a fourth World Cup later this year.
The 36-year-old has won 91 caps since making his debut in 2011, going on Lions tours in 2017 and 2021.
Owens becomes the latest withdrawal from Gatland’s 54-man training squad.
Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb have all retired from Test rugby, with Rhys Carre being released from the squad for not meeting individual targets and Cory Hill taking up an offer in Japan.
Sam Parry has been called up to the squad. Owens and Scarlets team-mate Josh Macleod as well as Cardiff Rugby’s Will Davies-King have been released due to injury.
Gatland said: "We’ve been really pleased with the players’ attitude and commitment throughout the first few weeks of our mini camps.
"The group has worked really hard and there have been a few curve balls from us in terms of testing them mentally and physically as people may have seen in some of our videos.
"Unfortunately we’re having to release Ken, Josh and Will due to injury which is really disappointing, but all three are hoping to be available later in the year should we need an injury replacement at any point.
"Ken has a niggle in his back which he needs some time out to sort. Josh got the injury on club duty – we were hoping to be able to manage it but specialist assessment showed that wasn't possible. Will picked up the foot injury in training with us which we were managing but then he got re-injured so has been released.
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Gatland added: "We’re looking forward to getting the group back together for a few days further training in Wales before we head to Switzerland.
"We’ve done a lot of good preparation already here in Wales and we are heading to Fiesch where we are looking to get the benefits of sleeping at altitude and will kick our training up another gear.
"Owen Williams and Alex Cuthbert won’t travel to Switzerland for personal reasons but we are looking them to attend our training camp in Turkey.
"Taulupe Faletau will travel out to Switzerland for the second week of the training camp as he’s managing a bit of a calf injury and so he can help out at home with his young family following the recent birth of his third child."
Owens previously admitted to fearing his career was over after a nerve issue in his back kept him out of the game for 11 months a couple of years ago.
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