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Rugby Union

Osprey Jones to miss World Cup

19/07/2007

Ospreys captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out of Wales' rugby World Cup bid after being told he "risks lasting damage" to his left shoulder if he plays.

The talented number eight, who has won 15 caps for Wales and was also selected for the last British Lions tour, saw specialists yesterday.

And the 26-year-old has been forced to declare himself unavailable for selection in the 30-man squad because his recovery period from an exploratory operation on his shoulder last week must be strictly adhered to.

"Having taken advice from the specialist in a review appointment yesterday, following a planned exploratory operation I had 11 days ago, it has been decided it is in my best interests to withdraw from World Cup selection," Jones said.

"Although the shoulder is stable I received some new damage to the joint throughout this season which needs time to settle.

"I need to take a long-term view and make sure it's right before I play and that means missing out on the World Cup."

Jones said it is "bitterly disappointing" to miss out on the showpiece tournament, which takes place in France in September and October, but admitted "it would be completely the wrong decision to try to rush myself back to fitness with a high risk that something could go wrong".

"I'm missing the World Cup, which is extremely difficult to take, but it means I will be able to get back to full fitness and turn out and captain the Ospreys next season and ensure I'm still around when its time for the next one," he continued.

"The focus now is on the players that are going to go and represent our country and I'm behind them 100 per cent and wish each and every one of them the very best.

"For now I'm just going to try to put this disappointment behind me and focus on my recovery.

"We've got a great squad and I can't express how gutted I am to miss out, but I know the boys will do us proud out there, and there are hopefully a good few more years left in me yet."

A decision on the final squad must be made by August 14th, with Wales' first game of the tournament against Canada on September 9th.

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