RWC2023: Rugby Stars Missing the World Cup

With the Rugby World Cup only rolling around every four years, missing out on it can be a tough blow for rugby players. So, let’s dive in and see which major names won’t be gracing us this RWC cycle– some key players are a no-go due to injuries, or suspensions, and some for falling out of favour.

SOUTH AFRICA

• Lukhanyo Am (injury)
• Lood de Jager (injury)
• Handre Pollard (injury)

❌ Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am and Lood de Jager.

🇿🇦 Huge setback for Springboks ahead of #RWC2023. pic.twitter.com/KdWl9CnfqW

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 8, 2023

ALSO READ: No Handre Pollard in Springbok team to face Wales

AUSTRALIA

• Michael Hooper (dropped)
• Quade Cooper (dropped)
• Allan Ala’alatoa (injury)

I’m all for focussing on the future…. But World Cups are about the now!
France is 4 weeks away….now is a time for experience and proven world class – and two of them are staying at home.
As a rugby fan I know I’m not alone in saying these two special players will be missed at… pic.twitter.com/7qtHMA091t

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) August 10, 2023

FRANCE

• Romain Ntamack (injury)
• Cyril Baille (injury)

How Ntamack's knee injury happened.

Looked like such a simple collision. Rugby can be very cruel sometimes. pic.twitter.com/zByVweH68G

— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) August 14, 2023

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Kolisi BACK from injury for Wales World Cup warm-up

SCOTLAND

• Duhan van der Merwe (possible injury)

WALES

• Justin Tipuric (retired)
• Alun Wyn Jones (retired)

One week ago, Cymru lost two of the greats. Alun Wyn Jones & Justin Tipuric retire players who defined a generation in Wales.

I took a quick look back at what they meant, the things they achieved, and just where they stand amongst the all-time pantheon.https://t.co/8Lll4JJhkw pic.twitter.com/IPSRU9Y9sm

— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) May 26, 2023

ENGLAND

• Jack van Poortvliet (injury)
• Owen Farrell (possible suspension)

Owen Farrell's bans. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/dUYH5EP9oD

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 15, 2023

ALSO READ: Road to the RWC | Springbok player profile: Steven Kitshoff

FIJI

• Ben Volavola (dropped)
  

JAPAN

• Lappies Labuschagne (possibly dropped)

As the Rugby World Cup approaches, it’s clear that some of the world’s top-notch players won’t be at centre stage this time. A few stars may be dimmed, the stage is set for a new constellation of players to capture the spotlight and keep the competition fierce and thrilling.

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