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Five Blues in World Cup Frame

1st September 2003


Five Cardiff Blues' players have been named in the Wales' squad for the Rugby World Cup to be staged in Australia in October and November.

Blues' skipper Martyn Williams heads the list as he gets set for his second global tournament - he played for Wales against Japan and Samoa when the World Cup was last held in 1999. No decision has yet been made by coach Steve Hansen regarding the captain for the tournament.

Joining Williams in the squad are his namesake, Rhys, centres Tom Shanklin and Iestyn Harris and hooker Gareth Williams. The squad of 31 will be reduced to the required 30 on 10 September with one of the four hookers provisionally named having to be withdrawn/

Hansen said, "That is due to a few injury worries we are having which will be resolved prior to the final registration date."

Other Blues' stars have been less fortunate in Hansen's final selection. Both Robinson brothers, Jamie and Nick, have missed out as has another vetern of the 1999 campaign, prop Ben Evans.

Craig Morgan and Ryan Powell were not considered because of injuries.