By Gareth James
Cory Hill followed the path taken by Rhys Webb when he decided to put family ahead of World Cup glory with Wales.
Hill increased the chaotic nature of the preparation for the tournament when he became the fourth player to withdraw from the preliminary training squad.
The second-row pulled out after claiming he needed to take up a club offer – understood to be in France – rather than be across the Channel playing for Wales in September.
None of the Welsh regions felt able to splash out and offer him a contract, given his unavailability for the start of next season.
Hill, who has been playing his club rugby in Japan, has decided to take up a contract opportunity outside of Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union said.
Cory Hill has withdrawn from Wales’ training squad for the Rugby World Cup 🏉#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/avg52DtPhW
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) June 9, 2023
The 31-year-old is a former Cardiff and Dragons lock and revealed he’s “gutted” about leaving the team but felt the contract was too good to snub.
“I’m gutted to be leaving the squad, but an opportunity has come up and I need to take it for my family,” Hill revealed as Wales lose another lock.
“Wishing the boys all the best at the World Cup, and I hope to be back in a Wales jersey in the future.”
Hill follows former captain Alun Wyn Jones, flanker Justin Tipuric and scrum-half Webb who all retired from Test rugby shortly after being included in the squad.
Head coach Warren Gatland announced a 54-man group last month as they step up their preparations for the Rugby World Cup later this year.
But it’s been far from smooth sailing as those retirements were followed by prop Rhys Carre being released due to not meeting performance targets.
Wales have no plans to call in a replacement for Hill, whose new club want him available during the World Cup.
Former Dragons captain Hill made his Wales bow against Australia in 2016, while a 32nd and latest appearance came during the 2021 Six Nations against France.
The remaining locks in Wales’ squad are Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Rhys Davies, Teddy Williams and Christ Tshiunza.
Wales have been drawn in Pool C of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, alongside Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal and face Fiji in their opening match.
Alun Wyn Jones Held World Cup Talks With Warren Gatland Before Decision To Quit
