Warren Gatland says ‘strength in depth’ will help Wales after Ken Owens is ruled out of World Cup

Warren Gatland on Monday brushed off the loss of Ken Owens after his captain became the fifth player to withdraw from Wales’ World Cup squad.

Hooker Owens has followed his fellow experienced British & Irish Lions Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb in pulling out of preparations for the tournament in France.

The 36-year-old, who led Wales in a turbulent Six Nations on and off the field, is struggling with a back problem which may yet require surgery.

Head coach Gatland admitted Owens won’t make Wales’ final World Cup party but could potentially be called up as a replacement if he recovers. Owens isn’t retiring from rugby.

The hooker is the fifth star to withdraw, with the legendary Alun Wyn Jones to miss the tournament after announcing his retirement from international rugby back in May

Justin Tipuric (left) and Rhys Webb (right) also joined Jones in retiring from Test rugby

But his likely World Cup absence – along with that of Jones, Tipuric and Webb – means Gatland has lost a mammoth 402 caps of international knowhow.

Lock Cory Hill also won’t go to the World Cup to take up a contract offer abroad.

Prop Rhys Carre was dropped for not hitting fitness targets while fringe forwards Josh Macleod and Will Davies-King have also suffered injury.

‘He is really disappointed,’ Gatland said of Owens. ‘He might need an operation, but if he gets himself right and back into training he could come into the reckoning if we get some injuries.

‘He has been a great servant for Welsh rugby but we have some real strength in depth in the squad.

‘There is a group of players who have come in that are really enthusiastic. Some of the older players are looking over their shoulder at the younger ones. They face some real competition.’

Gatland remains optimistic for the World Cup in France which gets underway in September 

It has been a tough year for Welsh Rugby in 2023, with chaos reigning on and off the pitch 

With Jones and Owens now out, Gatland has admitted he might name co-captains for the World Cup with young tyros Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake potential options.

After a disrupted build-up of preparations in Wales, Gatland’s squad go to Switzerland on Monday for a training camp at altitude.

Backs Owen Williams and Alex Cuthbert won’t be travelling due to personal reasons while Taulupe Faletau will be a late arrival.

The No 8 has a calf injury and has just welcomed the arrival of his third child.