Rugby World Cup: Wales call up Ospreys flyer Eli Walker

Liam Williams has become the latest Wales player to suffer Rugby World Cup injury heartache as their casualty count continues to pile up.

Walker, who made an impressive Test debut against Ireland in August, was originally named in Warren Gatland’s extended training squad for the tournament, but failed to make the final cut.

Scarlets back Williams was ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a foot injury in Wales’ 15-6 defeat against Australia in the Pool A decider at Twickenham on Saturday.

Williams, who was concussed during the 28-25 victory over England a fortnight ago, returned to action for the Wallabies clash only to limp off nursing a foot problem as Wales’ injury count continued to pile up. Australia was our fourth game and we pushed them all the way.

“He’ll be out, I would say, for a number of months as opposed to weeks”, said Pivac. He will be a huge loss, but we have had quite a few injuries now and we have to get on with it.

“We have been playing at an intensity week in, week out, that will prepare us no end for what will come on Saturday”.

The chance of such a scenario unfolding is highly improbable although there is only one back, the Cardiff Blues ultility player Rhys Patchell, in the original 47-man training squad that has not been called up.

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“It was not something to think about at the time, but looking back it shows we have big character in the squad”.

That meant the Welsh were free to recall Walker at any stage, and did so Tuesday following an injury to fullback Liam Williams.