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Mike Phillips, James Hook cut from Wales squad ahead of Rugby World Cup

Mike Phillips and James Hook are among eight players who have been cut from Wales's training squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Mike Phillips and James Hook are among eight players who have been cut from Wales's Rugby World Cup training squad.

Nicky Smith, Richard Hibbard, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Rhys Patchell and Jack Dixon have also been sent back to their respective clubs.

A 38-man party will return to the Welsh National Centre of Excellence in Hensol on August 17.

Wales's preparations for the upcoming World Cup got off to a bad start last weekend as they were beaten 35-21 by Ireland in Cardiff.

"It's been a difficult task reducing the squad down and deciding who will meet up with us again on Monday," head coach Warren Gatland told the Welsh Rugby Union's official website.

"All the players involved over the past eight weeks have put a huge amount of effort in. The intensity and dedication from the players out in Switzerland and Qatar has been really impressive. That makes our job a lot harder but as we continue to move into our rugby focused phase of training its important we reduce the squad number down.

"There will be disappointment from the players but its important to stress that the door is not closed. We name our final Rugby World Cup squad on August 31 and a lot can happen between now and then."

Wales are back in action on August 29 when they face Ireland in Dublin.

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Wales player Mike Phillips in action against South Africa during an international match on November 9, 2013
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