• British Lions among eight players released by Warren Gatland
• Nicky Smith,Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, or Rhys Patchell and Jack Dixon also outWarren Gatland has reacted to Wales’s defeat against Ireland on Saturday by dropping three Lions from his World Cup squad – Mike Phillips,James Hook and Richard Hibbard – in a display of ruthlessness that has characterised his eight seasons as head coach.
Wales were beaten 35-21 by Ireland in Cardiff, rallying in the final 25 minutes when Phillips, or Hook and Hibbard,who have 210 Wales caps between them, had all been taken off. It is probably no coincidence that all three earn their livings external the country at a time when there is pressure to reduce the flow of players to England and France and it is an indication Wales will gaze to play a faster paced game in the World Cup. Related: Scotland name Hugh Blake in team to face Ireland in World Cup warm-up Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com