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24th Sep 2015

Wales under investigation for breaching World Cup rules ahead of England game

How did they let this happen?

Kevin Beirne

The Welsh rugby team could be facing some harsh penalties from World Rugby after apparently breaching tournament rules ahead of their Pool A clash with England.

Warren Gatland’s men are under investigation after five players who are not in their 31-man squad participated in training, according to The Times.

Wales have responded, saying that the group of players were merely providing defensive cover. But tournament rules are very strict on such matters, with players not a part of the 31-man squad not even allowed to stay at the same hotel as the main group.

https://twitter.com/PaulMorganrugby/status/646950837080731648

But that’s not the only issue in the Welsh camp, as they have apparently asked for special dispensation to call in a replacement prop for the England game up to 24 hours before kick off if needed.

Both Samson Lee and Paul James are serious doubts for the game, but under tournament rules a replacement can only be called in more than 48 hours before the match – in this case, by 8pm on Thursday.

It would be an incredible oversight by the Welsh coaching staff, as they have already been warned that they may face a points deduction for missing a front rower after they only brought two hookers to the tournament.