Wales

Ospreys centre retires because of back injury

The 30-year-old, who made the last of his 16 appearances for Wales in 2012, has been unable to recover from a third operation to cure the problem.

Bishop joined Ospreys in 2005, making 209 appearances for the region.

"If there is ever a player who illustrates everything that an Osprey should be, it's Andrew," said coach and former team-mate Steve Tandy.

"It's been a privilege to work with him, both as a coach and playing alongside him from when he first came into the squad as a youngster."

Tandy described Bishop as a "tough cookie".

Wales tired of Australia 'heartache' - Hook

Wales have lost 10 matches in a row to the Wallabies, but each of the last nine have been by nine points or less.

They meet again at Twickenham on Saturday to determine who tops Pool A.

"The boys have spoken about how much heartache we've had against Australia so we have to go in with huge motivation," said the fly-half, 30.

"Everyone is beatable, it's just about getting it right on the day."

Australia won a thrilling match 33-28 in Cardiff the last time the two sides met, on 8 November 2014.

Michael Hooper to miss Wales game

Hooper, 23, was cited for clearing out Mike Brown at a ruck during the Wallabies' 33-13 win against England.

Citing commissioner Steve Hinds ruled Hooper had used his shoulder illegally.

Wales and Australia have both qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals and the winner of the game at Twickenham will top their group.

VIDEO: 2015 Rugby World Cup - Wales battle past Fiji, France thrash Canada

Wales took a huge step closer to the World Cup quarter-finals by beating Fiji 23-13 in an epic Pool A clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Over in Pool D, France closed in on a quarter-finals spot after scoring five tries in a 41-18 win against Canada.

 

Warren Gatland delighted with Wales courage after decisive victory over Fiji

Having come into the game on the back of a five-day turnaround, coach Warren Gatland's side were given the fright of their lives by a Fiji side who threatened to damage Wales hopes of escaping the "pool of death".

Despite back-to-back defeats at the hands of England and Australia, the Pacific Islanders not only put in a Herculean effort, but deserved more from a game that was in the melting pot until the final throes.

Michalak the magic man sparkles for France again

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre was telling anyone who wanted to listen at Stadium MK on Thursday that people regarded his decision to recall the mercurial fly-half as "crazy".

Not any more. Michalak (pictured) marked a man-of-the-match performance by becoming the highest points scorer in French World Cup history, overtaking Thierry Lacroix's tally of 124 points..

 

Rugby World Cup 2015: Consider longer turnarounds, says Gatland

Wales face Fiji on Thursday having had only four days to recover from their bruising win against England.

Gatland will not use it as an excuse during this World Cup but believes it is an issue which needs to be addressed in the long term.

"It's something we all need to be aware of because it's a pretty brutal game at the moment," he said.

"It's important we consider and look after the welfare of our players as well.

"I'm not complaining about the short turnaround because we've known about that for a long time. We've had to prepare for that."

Rugby World Cup 2015: Gatland threatens to drop Wales stars

Wales stunned England 28-25 at Twickenham and would be on the brink of the last eight if they beat Fiji.

Gatland says the players had "a bit of a rocket" because training on Tuesday was "a bit lighter".

"I said 'if I see any body language or anything that's not right, I will change you'," said Gatland.

He had earlier announced a starting line-up showing three enforced changes following injuries that ended Scott Williams' and Hallam Amos's tournament involvement.

VIDEO: Rugby World Cup 2015 - Daily round-up

Lancaster has dropped  fly-half George Ford. He has gone for Owen Farrell instead, with other changes forced by injury.

VIDEO: Rugby World Cup 2015 - Injury-hit Wales still a challenge, says Launchbury

Wales' World Cup campaign in England has been overshadowed by injuries, with Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Webb, Cory Allen and Eli Walker all withdrawing.

Wales also has injury concerns in the front row, with Aaron Jarvis, Paul James and Samson Lee all being assessed, while full-back Liam Williams suffered a hip injury in the win over Uruguay.