Rugby-Wales hooker Owens ruled out of Rugby World Cup

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Wales Captain's Run - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - March 17, 2023 Wales' Ken Owens talks to the media after training REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

(Reuters) - Wales captain Ken Owens will miss the Rugby World Cup in France with injury, coach Warren Gatland confirmed on Monday, another blow to the side in a troubled build-up to the competition that has seen several experienced players drop out of contention.

Hooker Owens, 36, is not expected to recover in time from a back injury and will make a reserve list at best. He has been capped 91 times and led the side in this year’s Six Nations.