Lock Cory Hill has become the fourth player to quit Warren Gatland’s Wales training squad, ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Hill follows suit after the voluntary departures of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb.
Hill also becomes the fifth total player to leave the squad, after Rhys Carre was released, as he failed to meet Gatland’s performance targets. The initial 54-man group will then be reduced further to 49 players, with Hill tempted away by a reported overseas offer.
Wales Online reported how ‘high level talks’ were taking place in order to keep Hill in the squad, with the lock reportedly receiving overseas interest for a club move. Hill has 32 Wales caps, so the 25-cap WRU restriction on overseas stars will not impact the 31-year-old.
However this has not ensured the international future of Hill, as Wales Online reported how: “Many clubs in France and Japan are understandably reluctant to pay big money for players who will be away on international duty for large chunks of the season.
“It is understood Hill has been offered a playing contract overseas on the proviso he does not play for Wales in the upcoming World Cup.”
It is as yet unconfirmed where Hill will be heading, but his future no longer lies within the Wales national squad. Hill has been playing for the Yokohama Cannon Eagles since 2021, yet recently left the Japanese club.
There were reported interests from the four Welsh clubs for Hill’s services, however due to the budget restrictions in the ongoing WRU salary saga, no offer materialised for the lock.
Five Wales internationals have now quit ahead of the World Cup
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This surge of recent retirements has led to fans fearing more yet follow before the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off.
One player fans will be hoping doesn’t quit is powerhouse number 8 Taulupe Faletau, whose future remains uncertain.
#1. Alun Wyn Jones
Jones has said he will not return to the Ospreys next season, ending 17 years at the Welsh region.
The world’s most capped rugby player who recently announced the end of his international career has also hinted he may play against Wales in November.
And speaking to a Barbarians podcast he suggested he may play on at club level.
“Whatever’s next, if something pops up, there might be something domestic, I won’t be back with the Ospreys,” said Jones.
“But if nothing does I can be pretty happy with my innings anyway, but we’ll see what comes in the next few months.
“As I said in my statement, there was a dialogue going along and it was the right time essentially,” Jones told the podcast, before hinting he may play against Warren Gatland’s side in the autumn.
“There’s a game against Wales in November that the Baa-Baas have got as well, so you never know,” he added.
