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Rugby Union

Williams and Charvis struggle for fitness

24/07/2007

Welsh duo Shane Williams and Colin Charvis are both struggling for fitness ahead of their country's first Rugby World Cup warm-up match against England on August 4th.

Coach Gareth Jenkins has taken his squad to host nation France for a training camp ahead of the September showpiece, but has been forced to leave Charvis back at home after the Dragons back-row man was struck down with a viral ear infection.

"Colin is suffering from viral labyrinthitis, or vertigo which causes imbalance and nausea, making him too unwell to travel with us on Saturday," Jenkins said.

"Initially we thought Colin would join us for the remainder of the week but he is still unable to fly at this stage."

Meanwhile diminutive Ospreys winger Williams is still making his way back from a round of surgery on a troublesome elbow injury.

"I'm not doing contact work, that could be a couple of weeks off. I may miss England but hope to make other World Cup warm-up games," he said.

There were no such restrictions for Gavin Henson, Ian Evans and Rhys Thomas, all of whom played a full part in training after shaking off minor knocks.

Wales kick off their World Cup campaign in Nantes on September 9th with an encounter against Canada.

They face a potentially tricky task to progress from a group which also includes pre-tournament favourites New Zealand, Fiji and Japan.

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