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Sport Rugby Rugby Union Wales dealt Six Nations blow as Leigh Halfpenny ruled out of Ireland opener Liam Williams has been called into starting line-up for the clash with Ireland
Wales Rugby boss Gatland on "challenging" week for WRU Your support helps us to tell the story This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story. The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Close Read more Full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Wales ’ Six Nations opener against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.
Halfpenny was due to win his 98th cap and make a first Wales start for 19 months, but assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said he had suffered a back spasm and would miss the game.
Experienced Cardiff back Liam Williams will replace Halfpenny in the number 15 shirt.
Williams missed Wales’ entire Autumn Nations Series campaign this season because of injury, and has not started for his country since last summer’s South Africa tour.
Humphreys said: “Unfortunately, Leigh had a back spasm this morning and Liam will be playing.
“I think it’s more disappointing for him as a person. He is an unbelievable professional and an unbelievable person.
“He has got to pick himself up again. You feel for him that he’s got to pull out at this late stage.
“Liam is good to go.”
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