The 2019 Rugby World Cup will showcase the best talent the globe has to offer but a growing number of players will be unavailable due to eligibility rules or are unlikely to be picked for a trip to Japan.
This team makes us want a Baa-Baas team at the RWC!
Fullback: Charles Piutau, New Zeland
The world’s highest paid player would be a certainty for the 15-jersey. Despite reports he wanted to switch allegiance from New Zealand to Tonga for the World Cup, this is now impossible and means one of the worlds finest players won't be at the sports showpiece event.
of Bristol Bears poses for a portrait during the Bristol Bears squad photo call for the 2018-19 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season at Ashton Gate on August 15, 2018 in Bristol, England.
Winger: Simon Zebo, Ireland
with Ireland adopting a hard stance on eligibility for overseas players, Zebo’s phone hasn’t been ringing despite his fine form with Racing 92 this season.
Centre: Malakai Fekitoa, New Zealand
Fekitoa, who won the 2015 World Cup with the All Blacks, previously told the Herald of his desire to return home and add to his 24 tests. However, his move to Wasps this summer puts such aspirations firmly on the backburner and ends his chances of a recall.
Centre: Mathieu Bastareaud, France
The powerhouse centre, who was Les Bleus’s vice-captain during a disappointing Six Nations campaign, did not feature in the list of 31 and the six standby players who will start preparation for the tournament from June 25th. He's since confirmed he retirement from international rugby.
Winger: Nemani Nadolo, Fiji
The 6ft 4, 137 kg winger has decided to hang up his international boots ahead of the Rugby World Cup, having amassed 30 caps and 19 tries for his country, including a memorable try against England in the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
Fly-half: Dan Carter, New Zealand
There were murmurs of a shock recall to the All Blacks squad. Carter was mentioned by his former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry as a possibility, but the three-times World Player of the Year said a recent neck surgery would rule him out anyway.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Dan Carter of New Zealand takes a penalty during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Scrum-half: Rhys Webb, Wales
Webb’s move to French club Toulon last summer means he is unavailable for selection by Warren Gatland as his collection of 33 caps is below the mark of 60 required for overseas-based players to be considered.
Prop: Owen Franks, New Zealand
Hooker: Bismarck du Plessis, South Africa
The 34-year-old Springbok with 79-caps has all the experience needed to anchor this pack. However, with Schalk Brits returning to the international fold a recall for du Plessis looks unlikely.
Prop: Ben Franks, New Zealand
Still one of the world finest scrum operators, he hasn't played for the All Blacks since making his move to London Irish in 2015. Despite now being 35, Franks could definitely still cut it at the highest level.
Lock: Will Skelton, Australia
The Wallaby lock ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year deal with Saracens that rules him out of the World Cup in Japan unless Australian rugby chiefs relax their current stance.
Lock: Richie Gray, Scotland
Gregor Townsend has left the door ajar for Richie Gray to make the Rugby World Cup but the big lock is one of several notable names not in the Scotland coach’s training squad for the tournament in Japan. However, he certainly improved his chances after helping Toulouse to the Top 14 title.
Flanker: Scott Fardy, Australia
The back-rower has conceded he won't be going to Japan later this year. He signed a new deal with the Leinster last February and, under Australia's current rules, is ineligible to take part in the showpiece event later this year.
Flanker: Jerome Kaino, New Zealand
The 36-year-old backrower captained Toulouse to a 24-18 victory over Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 grand final at the Stade de France. It was the first domestic medal of Kaino's long career after 15 barren seasons with the Blues.
Number 8: Steve Luatua, New Zealand
The Bristol powerhouse had hinted that he wanted to go to the World Cup but having doubled his wages by coming to England, he decided to sign a new deal to remain at Ashton Gate.
Mascots with Steve Luatua, Captain of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Match between Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate, Bristol on September 29. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK - Rugby
