Wales escape with official warning for breach of Rugby World Cup rules

The Welsh rugby team has received an official warning from World Rugby after breaching tournament rules ahead of their Pool A clash with England.

Warren Gatland's men came under investigation after five players who are not in their 31-man squad participated in training. Wales claimed that the group of players were merely providing defensive cover. But tournament rules are very strict on such matters, with players not a part of the 31-man squad not even allowed to stay at the same hotel as the main group. However, the Welsh have escaped with an official warning after World Rugby released the following statement:

While World Rugby is satisfied that no deliberate breach was intended, an official warning has been issued to the WRU and all participating teams have been informed that additional players from the extended squad, including potential injury replacements, may not be included in any training sessions.

Wales have also apparently asked for special dispensation to call in a replacement prop for the England game up to 24 hours before kick off if needed. Both Samson Lee and Paul James are serious doubts for the game, but under tournament rules a replacement can only be called in more than 48 hours before the match - in this case, by 8pm on Thursday. It would be an incredible oversight by the Welsh coaching staff, as they have already been warned that they may face a points deduction for missing a front rower after they only brought two hookers to the tournament.