Wales coach Warren Gatland insists his World Cup plans have not been set in stone after omitting veteran prop Adam Jones from his squad for the autumn internationals.
Jones, a 95-cap Wales veteran – including 44 appearances in the RBS 6 Nations – has been overlooked for the clashes with Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa.
There is no place in the 34-man squad for the versatile James Hook either, though Gatland welcomes back a host of experienced stars.
Sam Warburton is reinstated as captain following injury, Leigh Halfpenny and Wasps lock Bradley Davies also return after missing the tour of South Africa, while the sole uncapped player in the group is Ospreys prop Nicky Smith.
But Gatland has refused to rule any players out of the picture before the World Cup arrives in England and Wales’ Millennium Stadium next September.
“When you look through the squad there is a huge amount of experience,” he said. “We’ve taken a lot of things into account and made some tough decisions.
“We’ve had to weigh up a balance of players who play in Wales and outside, due to how often they can train and are with us, but we are really happy with the squad.
“We are looking to the future and the next 12 months ahead with this squad, but it doesn’t close the door for anyone not selected.”
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