Sun 1 Sep 2019 | 02:03

Gatland names Patchell in Wales World Cup squad

Warren Gatland has named Rhys Patchell as back up fly half to Dan Biggar for Wales at the World Cup in Japan.

Cardiff Blues fly half Jarrod Evans started against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday but Gatland has decided to go with Patchell as a replacement for the injured Gareth Anscombe.

Wales’ squad comprises 18 forwards and 13 backs with second row Cory Hill earning a place despite carrying an injury.

Samson Lee, Rob Evans and Scott Williams among the biggest names to miss out on selection while Saracens prop Rhys Carre is probably the biggest surprise choice by Gatland.

The Wales squad is as follows:

Props: Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Rhys Carre (Saracens), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues)

Hookers: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets)

Second row: Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Cory Hill (Dragons), Jake Ball (Scarlets)

Back row: Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), James Davies (Scarlets)

Scrum halves: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Aled Davies (Ospreys)

Fly halves: Dan Biggar (Northampton), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets)

Centres: Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys)

Outside backs: Liam Williams (Saracens), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), George North (Ospreys), Hallam Amos (Cardiff Blues), Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues)