Wales could be without Beard and Hill for World Cup opener
Second-row forward has undergone surgery and is set to link up with the squad in Japan next week.
Locks Adam Beard and Cory Hill could both be unavailable for Wales’ World Cup opener against Georgia in 10 days’ time.
Beard is set to join Wales’ World Cup squad in Japan early next week after having his appendix removed.
And Beard’s squad colleague Hill is continuing to recover from a stress fracture in his leg, with the second pool fixture against Australia on September 29 having been his stated initial target.
Skipper Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball, though, are seemingly in pole position to start against Georgia.
And if Beard and Hill are absent, it could mean Scarlets flanker Aaron Shingler providing second-row bench cover.
Wales face Pool D opponents Georgia in Toyota City on September 23.
A Welsh Rugby Union spokesperson said: “Adam Beard was admitted to hospital in Wales with suspected appendicitis by Wales team medics ahead of the squad’s departure last Wednesday.
“He had his appendix removed uneventfully later that day and is recovering well.
“He will rejoin the rest of the squad in Japan early next week.”
Wales head to the southern city of Kitakyushu on Saturday, where they will continue preparations to meet Georgia.
