From Mathieu Bastareaud to Richie Gray, RUCK.co.uk takes a look at some of the best players snubbed by their national team coaches for training squads ahead of the 2019 World Cup finals in Japan.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Simon Zebo (Ireland)
Zebo's exclusion is no surprise - but that doesn't mean that the Racing 92 star won't be annoyed that he hasn't been considered. Joe Schmidt closed the door on Zebo the moment his move to Paris was announced before the 2017 autumn tests, and although the 29-year-old has produced some great rugby since arriving in the Top 14, Schmidt has shown no sign of calling a halt to Ireland's unwritten rule around overseas selection.
4. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
He has become a vital plug in the Bath defence, earning plaudits from Welsh coach Shaun Edwards for his rearguard action. However, it wasn't enough for Roberts who had desperately hoped to be included in this wider party despite being left out of recent squads. Barring injuries to others, the international career of this great Lion appears over.
5. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
The 36-year-old played for French club Toulon before returning to Super Rugby with the Blues, where his performances had been solid. However, it hasn't been enough to convince Hansen, who has gone largely with the players who have performed for him over the past two seasons.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Ma'a Nonu of the New Zealand All Blacks is tackled by Handre Pollard (l) and Francois Louw (6) of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Lee - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
6. Quinn Roux (Ireland)
Another player who had his end-of-season hampered by injury, Roux will still be frustrated to have been leapfrogged by another South African in Munster's Jean Kleyn. Roux featured in four games during the Six Nations - including starts against Italy and Scotland - so is definitely still in contention for a call-up later in the summer, if he returns to full fitness.null
7. Teddy Thomas (France)
Knowing French rugby, it's entirely possible that they just forgot to call up the winger. Few better sights than him in full-flow.
8. Duncan Weir (Scotland)
Weir, whose excellent performances were instrumental in Worcester securing their Premiership status, still has a chance of making the squad for Japan according to Townsend. However, he wasn't included in the squad.
