Wednesday 9 September 2015 15:38, UK
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has issued a statement after he was ruled out of the World Cup with a cruciate ligament injury.
The 26-year-old Toulon star left the Millennium Stadium pitch on a stretcher during Saturday's warm-up game against Italy and a short bulletin from the Welsh Rugby Union on Monday confirmed his absence from the tournament.
Halfpenny has now revealed his devastation at missing the World Cup, but he is also grateful for the amount of support he has received in recent days.
His statement, which was posted on Twitter, read: "I want to thank everyone for the immense support I've received since my injury last Saturday. It has been truly humbling and overwhelming.
I am devastated not to be taking part in the 2015 World Cup but injuries are part of professional sport and life has to go on.
"I wish I could thank everyone individually, but I can say that the support I've received from the medical staff at the Millennium Stadium, all of my team-mates and coaches, everyone at both the WRU and my club Toulon, my sponsors, management, friends, family, fellow professionals and, in particular, from the general public around the world, has helped me immeasurably.
"I am devastated not to be taking part in the 2015 World Cup but injuries are part of professional sport and life has to go on.
"For me, this will involve working towards playing again. I feel incredibly fortunate to play for Wales and to have enjoyed success with the team.
"Whilst I'm gutted I won't be able to see through this particular journey, I've no doubt the squad has what it takes to go all the way and, along with the rest of the country, I'll be passionately cheering on the Welsh boys and would like to wish them all the very best."
