RHYS Webb has suffered the same fate as Leigh Halfpenny in being ruled out of the World Cup with Warren Gatland calling up Mike Phillips and Eli Walker as replacements for the key duo.

The influential pair were injured in the warm-up clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, Webb suffering a "significant mid-foot injury" when getting trapped at a ruck and Halfpenny damaging ligaments in his right knee when chasing a kick.

The extent of the damage is yet to be determined but their England 2015 dreams are over and Gatland has called up experienced scrum-half Phillips, who will go to his third World Cup, and Ospreys wing Walker, who will hope to add to the cap that he won against Ireland in Cardiff last month.

Gatland said: "It is extremely disappointing for both Leigh and Rhys.  They have worked exceptionally hard to establish themselves on the world stage and to prepare for the tournament and we wish them all the best with their recovery.

"After announcing the squad we spoke about the need for players to remain ready for action and is a great opportunity for Mike and Eli.

“It's great that we can call on players of this calibre.  To bring Mike's experience into the squad is a bonus along with Eli's exciting talent."

Phillips will now battle with Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams for the 9 jersey while Walker joins George North, Alex Cuthbert, Hallam Amos and Matthew Morgan as options on the wing with Liam Williams likely to slot in at full-back.

The loss of Halfpenny and call-up of Walker does leave Wales with limited goal-keeping options with Rhys Priestland and Morgan the only back-ups to Dan Biggar.