Ken Owens and Josh Macleod released from Wales squad

Rob LloydNews

Scarlets duo Ken Owens (back) and Josh Macleod (shoulder) have been released from Wales’ Rugby World Cup training squad due to injury.

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said: “Unfortunately we’re having to release Ken and Josh due to injury which is really disappointing, but all are hoping to be available later in the year should we need an injury replacement at any point.

“Ken has a niggle in his back which he needs some time out to sort. Josh got the injury on club duty – we were hoping to be able to manage it, but specialist assessment showed that wasn’t possible.”

In a further update, Cardiff prop Will Davies-King has also been released because of a foot injury picked up in training, while Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has been called into the squad.

After a period of mini camps running a few days a week from May 25 to June 21, the Wales squad assembled on Monday for three more days training this week at the National Centre of Excellence in Hensol before travelling to Fiesch, Switzerland on Monday, July 3 for a two-week training camp.