Francis retained by Wales

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis is edging ever closer to being included in the Welsh squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Called into camp by head coach Warren Gatland for the final two Six Nations games of last season, the 23-year-old has since been part of the Welsh training set-up, which has included trips to the Swiss Alps and Doha in recent weeks.

Although not included in Gatland's plans for the opening warm-up game against Ireland last week, Francis - who enjoyed a highly successful first season in Devon - has today been included in a 38-man party that is now without the experienced James Hook, Richard Hubbard and Mike Phillips.

The British Lions trio have all been axed by Gatland, along with less experienced players Nicky Smith, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Rhys Patchell and Jack Dixon.

Scrum-half Phillips, capped 94 times, and fly-half Hook - who has played 78 times for Wales - may have played their last games for their country.

But it is hooker Hibbard's omission that is arguably the biggest surprise.

Cardiff Blues hooker Kristian Dacey won his first Wales cap off the bench in last week’s 35-21 defeat by Ireland, a game that Hibbard started.

With 38 Wales caps and three Lions Tests under Gatland (pictured) on the successful tour to Australia in 2013, leaving out 31-year-old Hibbard is Gatland's bravest call among the forwards.

Phillips also has five Lions Test appearances to his name, taking his overall tally in international rugby to 99.

The scrum-half spot will now be contested by Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams, whose international prospects have been revitalised.

Hook has fallen in and out of favour since Gatland became Wales coach in 2007 and promptly won the 2008 Grand Slam.

He partnered Phillips at half-back during that tournament, but has seen Dan Biggar become the established fly-half.

Blues' Gareth Anscombe has overtaken team-mate Patchell as a utility back, but Rhys Priestland is Biggar's main back-up at 10. Bristol's Matthew Morgan also remains a fly-half and full-back contender.

Gatland said: "It's been a difficult task reducing the squad down and deciding who will meet up with us again on Monday."

The New Zealander added: "There will be disappointment from the players but it's important to stress that the door is not closed. We name our final Rugby World Cup squad on 31 August and a lot can happen between now and then."

Wales - who face hosts England, Australia, Uruguay and Fiji in Pool A - play two remaining warm-up matches, against Ireland in Dublin on 29 August and Italy in Cardiff on 5 September.

 Revised Wales Squad

Props: Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets).

Hookers: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets).

Locks: Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Dominic Day (Bath), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys).

Back-rows: Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).

Scrum-halves: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues).

Fly-halves: Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Rhys Priestland (Bath).

Centres: Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Wings: Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Eli Walker (Ospreys).

Full-backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Liam Williams (Scarlets).