Wales rocked by Henson injury

Head coach Gareth Jenkins made the "tough call" after deciding Henson, whose career has been stalled by a string of injuries, had run out of time to reach peak form and fitness.

As a result, he was omitted from the Wales squad for Saturday's Test against England at Twickenham - the last match before Jenkins' has to name his 30-man World Cup squad.

"We have taken an early decision with Gavin and decided that he is no longer in contention for the World Cup squad which must be named before August 14 and so have not considered him for selection against England," Jenkins explained.

"We have given him every opportunity to make it and it's been a tough summer for Gav in which he has worked hard.

"But the recent Achilles injury in particular has meant he's not been able to train at full pelt and that has reflected in his conditioning. I think we all agree he is not where he needs to be."

Four years ago Henson was left "bitter and hurt" by his omission from Wales' World Cup squad - but on this occasion the circumstances were very different.

While Henson had considered himself "the best player in Wales" in 2003 when he was overlooked by Steve Hansen, this was a call he sensed was coming.

Henson has started just one Test under Jenkins - the 29-29 draw with Australia in November - and endured another stop-start season due to injuries.

Henson said: "Its extremely disappointing for me as it is every player's dream to play rugby for their country and I've taken great pride in pulling on the Wales every time I've been selected.

"It would've been particularly special to do so at the World Cup.

"I can understand the decision that's been taken. I know I'm not quite where I would like to be at the moment conditioning wise.

"It's been frustrating. I've had to play catch up for a while and these games have come a bit too early for me."

Henson expects to reach full fitness by September and Jenkins confirmed he will remain in contention for a late call-up if the squad is further hit by injuries.

Wales are already without key number eight Ryan Jones and Jenkins is sweating over fly-half Stephen Jones, who is out of the England game with a torn groin muscle.

Jenkins expects to learn tomorrow whether Jones requires an operation and how seriously that would impact his World Cup plans.

"You want all your best players to be available but they have to be fit and on form," said Jenkins.

"That is the key to this summer - who is available for us, on form, fit and ready for the biggest challenge of the last four years in the World Cup. Gavin hadn't reached those requirements. He has had a tough call.

"He's a talent we know that, but a talent is one thing. Current form and being as fit as everyone else is equally important, but Gav is not having the bounce, he's not having the luck.

"Touch wood the injury now seems to have improved and he is back in proper training.

"He's an international standard rugby player he knows that and this doesn't mean his World Cup is necessarily over either.

"If his form is good and he's improved on fitness between now and September then he'll have a chance. Anything can happen in a World Cup and we may still need him yet if we get an injury."

Without Henson and Jones, Wales' strength in depth at fly-half and inside centre would be sorely tested.

James Hook would almost certainly don the 10 jersey, although Jenkins insists he has great faith in Ceri Sweeney who starts at fly-half against England on Saturday.

Wales have named a sub-strength side, with Jenkins giving fringe players one final opportunity to press their claims for World Cup selection.

"It is an opportunity for Ceri on Saturday to show us all what he is capable of. I am a big believer in Ceri Sweeney and we are lucky to have that type of player to fall back on," said Jenkins.

"It's the final opportunity for certain individuals to make a statement and after Saturday I'll be better placed to make the selection."

Gloucester lock Will James makes his Test debut aged 30 in a side captained from centre by Gareth Thomas.

"Will has impressed in training throughout the summer. He is not a young man at 30 but he is young in terms of rugby life and he has impressed everyone and has a real chance if he goes well on Saturday," said Jenkins.

Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard has also been ruled out of the World Cup, while Nicky Robinson and Robin Sowden-Taylor today joined the squad for training as injury cover.