Ospreys skipper Ryan Jones has been ruled out of Wales's Rugby World Cup campaign.
The 26-year old British Lion has withdrawn after consultation with specialists yesterday (Wed), about an injury sustained to his left shoulder.
After a thorough medical review it was decided not to risk more lasting damage and to rule the 15-times capped No.8 out of the tournament in September and October.
"Having taken advice from the specialist in a review appointment yesterday, following a planned exploratory operation I had 11 days ago, it has been decided it is in my best interests to withdraw from World Cup selection," said Jones.
"Although the shoulder is stable I received some new damage to the joint throughout this season which needs time to settle.
"I need to take a long term view and make sure its right before I play and that means missing out on the World Cup.
"It's obviously bitterly disappointing, but at the age of 26 it would be completely the wrong decision to try to rush myself back to fitness with a high risk that something could go wrong.
"I'm missing the World Cup, which is extremely difficult to take, but it means I will be able to get back to full fitness and turn out and captain the Ospreys next season and ensure I'm still around when its time for the next one.
"The focus now is on the players that are going to go and represent our country and I'm behind them one hundred per cent and wish each and everyone of them the very best.
"For now I'm just going to try to put this disappointment behind me and focus on my recovery.
"We've got a great squad and I can't express how gutted I am to miss out, but I know the boys will do us proud out there, and there are hopefully a good few more years left in me yet."