Wayne Pivac's Wales selection is a heated source of debate ahead of Saturday's Six Nations showdown against England, but Louis Rees-Zammit is one star who will not feature at Twickenham.
WalesOnline first reported Rees-Zammit has been released from the Wales squad and will return to Gloucester in time for Saturday's clash away to Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers.
Rees-Zammit, 21, scored four tries during his maiden Six Nations championship last year but has failed to sparkle as hoped after two rounds of the 2022 tournament.
The youngster debuted for his country in October 2020 and has scored six tries in 14 senior appearances for Wales, earning a place on last year's British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
Rees-Zammit has yet to miss a minute of Wales' tournament thus far, playing the full 80 minutes in their 29-7 defeat to Ireland in Dublin before helping his side beat Scotland 20-17 at home in Round 2.
He succeeded in quelling Jonny May's threat when Wales hosted England last year, beating their rivals 40-24 en route to sealing the Six Nations crown.
However, it now appears Ospreys winger Alex Cuthbert will keep his place on Pivac's right flank, having impressed when he made his first Six Nations appearance in five years against Scotland a fortnight ago.
Cardiff winger Josh Adams looks set to reclaim his spot on the other wing, meanwhile, after missing their last outing due to a calf injury.
Premiership rules mean any players based in England who aren't called up for Six Nations duty must report to their respective clubs.
Did Wayne Pivac make the right call dropping Louis Rees-Zammit? Let us know in the comments section.
Rees-Zammit may not be the only selection call that could heavily impact Welsh fortunes at Twickenham, either, after Bath No. 8 Taulupe Faletau joined the squad this week.
The Cardiff-bound back-rower and Lions veteran hasn't played for his country since March 2021 but could make a swift return to the matchday squad after a seven-month spell on the sidelines.
Wales legend and all-time top points-scorer Neil Jenkins, who serves as a skills coach for the national team, called Faletau a "class act" ahead of his potential return.
"He is a fantastic player, his personality, who he is," Jenkins told reporters.
“It is brilliant to have him back. You want your best players available, and he comes into that category.
“We will see how he goes. He has been out for quite some time. We will see how he goes today, and Wayne [Pivac] will make the right call regarding him."
England and Wales have each posted one win and one loss so far in this year's Six Nations, meaning Saturday's loser will effectively see any hopes of lifting the title come to an end.
Both teams will announce their squads on Thursday, with Pivac set to confirm his line-up at 11.30am.
