Rugby World Cup injuries are a subject that dominates headlines in the tournament. If a player’s World Cup has been ended by an injury it is a heartbreaking for them but sadly part of the game.

However, for the 2023 tournament the stories have been coming thick and fact before the tournament had begun. Over 15 players who the media and fans would have expected to be at the event are not because of injury/illness.

Here is a list of those headline names missing from the World Cup.

Rugby World Cup injuries: Headline players missing

Australia

There are two notable injuries for Australia with Len Ikitau and Allan Alaalatoa both out. Former captain Michael Hooper’s injury problems played a part in his non-selection too.

Argentina

Ignacio Calles ruptured his Achilles and so will play no part in the World Cup.

Chile

Have a full strength squad.

England

Anthony Watson has been confirmed to be out of the tournament with a calf issue. He was replaced by Jonny May in the 33-man squad. It isn’t England’s only injury worry though with Elliot Daly also a doubt for the World Cup with a knee problem.

Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet is also out of the tournament with Alex Mitchell called up in his place.

Fiji

Have a full strength squad.

France

Romain Ntamack was ruled out after rupturing his ACL against Scotland in a warm-up match. Anthony Jelonch picked up a knee injury during the Six Nations but he has been named in the World Cup squad so he should play a part.

Romain Ntamack looks on (Getty Images)

Georgia

Georgia are still sweating on the fitness of flankers Beka Gorgadze (MCL) and Beka Saghinadze but both have been named in the 33-man squad for the tournament.

Ireland

Dan Sheehan’s early departure against England has given Andy Farrell a fitness scare but the first-choice hooker is expected to be fit for the tournament and was named in the squad.

Cian Healy has also been ruled out because of injury, Munster prop Jeremy Loughman comes in.

Italy

Tommaso Menoncello, Edoardo Padovani, Leandro Marin and Gianmarco Lucchesi are all out with injury.

Japan

Uwe Helu and Shogo Nakano have been replaced in the squad because of “poor physical condition”.  Amato Fakatava and back row Kanji Shimokawa have been called up in their place.

Namibia

Have a full strength team.

New Zealand

Sevu Reece and George Bower are the two big names from the New Zealand camp who are injured.

Tyrel Lomax had to be helped from the field against South Africa at Twickenham in the final warm-up game before the World Cup with what appeared to be a lower leg injury.

Portugal

Have a full strength squad.

Romania

Mihai Macovei, Mihai Mureșan and Paul Popoaia have been replaced by Andre Gorin, Lama Sioeli and Taliauli Sikuea.

Samoa

Have a full strength squad

Scotland

Darcy Graham withdrew from the side to face Georgia with a tight quad but Gregor Townsend will hope it’s not too serious.

South Africa

South Africa have been hit with a trio of high-profile absences. Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am are injured while Lood de Jager has an illness. But all three have been included on a stand-by list for the tournament meaning they could still play some part.

Tonga

Have a full strength team.

Uruguay

Have a full strength team.

Wales

Ken Owens has been ruled out of the tournament because of a back injury.

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