Monday 4 September 2017 13:49, UK
Wigan prop Ben Flower has pulled out of Wales' World Cup squad after failing to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Flower, who won the last of his 17 caps in the 2013 World Cup, has been sidelined since late April but was included in head coach John Kear's initial 38-man squad in the hope that he would recover in time.
"It's a massive trip to be missing so I'm really disappointed that I can't go," said Flower.
"I've wanted to play for Wales for the last couple of years but I've had injuries that I've had to sort out.
"Although it's a massive disappointment, I will definitely be playing for Wales again in the future and I hope to be involved next year."
Half-back Ollie Olds, from West Brisbane Panthers, has also withdrawn after failing to recover from a ruptured ACL and has been replaced by Matty Seamark, another Australia-based player.
Seamark, who currently plays for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Queensland Cup, has won six caps and also featured in the last World Cup.
Kear said: "We knew that Ben Flower was a long shot because of his injury but I'd like to thank him for his efforts in trying to get fit in time.
"I look forward to seeing Ben in a Wales shirt again in the future.
"I'm very sorry for Ollie Olds because he has contributed a great deal to Wales' resurgence and he's unfortunately missing out on one of the biggest tournaments.
"I'm delighted to welcome Matty Seamark into the squad. He last played for us in the World Cup and is playing at a good level over in Australia with Manly."
Seamark said: "I'm really pleased to have been called up to the squad; it's a really strong squad to be a part of.
"It's been a while since I last pulled on the jersey but it would mean a great deal to me to be able to do it again.
"To be a part of another World Cup would be a dream come true. Not only that, but it's in Australia.
"To play in Townsville, in front of friends of family where I grew up, would be the biggest moment in my career to date."
