Gatland releases Carre after he fails to hit targets

Cardiff prop Rhys Carre has been released from Wales‘ World Cup training squad having “failed to meet individual performance targets”.

“Rhys Carre has been released from the Wales senior men’s preliminary training squad for Rugby World Cup 2023,” the Welsh Rugby Union said.

“Following ongoing discussions between the player and the Wales coaching team, Carre has failed to meet individual performance targets set at the end of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.”

Carre, 25, was part of the squad at the 2019 World Cup, having made his debut in the lead-up to the tournament.

The former Saracens front rower was omitted from Wales’ squad for last year’s autumn internationals, with then national coach Wayne Pivac saying he had “fallen short” in his “general conditioning”.

He was recalled by Warren Gatland in January for the 2023 Six Nations, and featured as a replacement in the first three games of the tournament. He was one of 10 props named in Gatland’s 54-man party last month.

Veteran No.9 Rhys Webb has also left the training squad after announcing his international retirement in order to pursue an opportunity abroad.

He has joined Ospreys Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric in ending his Wales career.

Gatland named three other scrum-halves in his squad, Scarlets duo Gareth Davies and Kieran Hardy as well as Cardiff ‘s Tomos Williams.

Webb wrote on social media: “The present uncertainty and difficulties in Welsh rugby meant there was little opportunity for a contract that offered security for the coming years as I see out my professional career.

“As such, when an opportunity to play abroad arose during the off season, enabling me to provide greater career security for myself and my family, I decided to accept the offer.

“I feel that after achieving my goal of returning to the Wales set-up, it is the right time now for me to step away from international rugby.”