13 Aug 2019

Mixed news for New Zealand rugby players

6:47 am on 13 August 2019

The former New Zealand rugby player Gareth Anscombe admits the last 24 hours have been tough as it was confirmed he'll miss this year's World Cup.

Gareth Anscombe of Wales leaves the field with an injury.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Anscombe has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a knee injury during his team's loss to England in a warm-up match yesterday.

It has been confirmed the 28 year old former Blues and Chiefs utility back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

On social media Anscombe says it's not the way he was hoping his World Cup dream would finish.

In 2015 Anscombe was a late call up to the Wales World Cup squad as an injury replacement.

Meanwhile mixed news for New Zealand born players in the England squad.

Coach Eddie Jones has omitted centre Ben Te'o and loose forward Brad Shields, but included halfback Willi Heinz.

Auckland born Te'o was excluded from the final week of an England training camp after being involved in an altercation with team mate Mike Brown.

Shields has played for England nine times since moving from the Hurricanes after the 2018 Super Rugby season.

Willi Heinz with the Heineken Champions Cup.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

32 year old Heinz, who played for the Crusaders until 2015, is one of just two halfbacks in the England squad.

He's been playing for Gloucester since 2015 and only made his debut for England in yesterday's win over Wales.