Newport and Gwent Dragons lock Ian Gough has launched a stinging attack on Wales after his omission from the World Cup squad.

The agony for Gough is made even worse by the shock selection of Brett Cockbain, an Australian who only qualified for Wales on residency grounds this summer.

Cockbain won his only cap against Romania last week whereas Gough has 21 to his name. Fellow lock, Newport-born Chris Wyatt has also missed out.

"I am very disappointed, upset and gutted. I've been stabbed in the back," stormed an angry Gough.

"It was hard enough being told I wasn't included, but when Steve Hansen told me who was in it was even harder to take. I daresay Chris Wyatt and Vernon Cooper feel the same.

"I was told all five selectors went for Brent. If they rate him that highly he must be even more exceptional.

"I tailored everything to what they wanted of me and every requirement was met, but I was never given a chance.

"I feel let down, it's a very bitter pill to swallow, one I never thought I would have to."

It's the second World Cup running Gough has been forced to miss after a broken arm ruled him out in 1999.

He was given reasons for his omission this time, but he doesn't accept them and he now wishes he had been with the Dragons all summer.

"I had reasons for not being selected, but they didn't wash with me," said Gough.

"Another World Cup has been snatched from my grasp..

"I had to drag myself up off the floor last time, now four years later it's a case of deja vu.

"I just wish I hadn't been messed about and that I could have stayed with the Dragons all summer, I would have been further down the road for them."

Explaining his reasons for picking Cockbain, Hansen said: "He offers something different. He's the only lock in the country we think has the ability to play Test rugby who is over 6ft 6ins.

"He is no different to Tony Marsh (an Australian who plays for France). He lives here, he is married to a Welsh woman and has Welsh children, he is eligible for Wales."

Cockbain justified his inclusion and said he was fully committed to the cause.

His older brother Matt, an Australian World Cup medal-winner, is in the 38-strong Aussie squad.

But Cockbain said: "I've been here for four years now, my wife is Welsh, I've got the house and allotment and I'm here for the long term.

"I've done my time, so to speak, and feel I've earned the right to play for Wales and I'm fully committed.

"I expect I'll take a bit of stick from my brother, but he hasn't been playing for Australia lately so I'll give him some back.

"Australia as a whole won't lose any sleep over my selection for Wales and it'll be great going back there. All the family will be thrilled."

Cockbain laughed off the claims of some that he is always seen in Aussie kit.

"People are entitled to their opinion," he said. "But I haven't had any Welsh kit until today. All I've had is my brother's hand-me-downs, so I've had no choice really."