Rugby World Cup 2011: Gavin Henson's hopes dashed

Gavin Henson has won 33 Wales caps since his debut against Japan in 2003

Wales coach Warren Gatland has admitted Gavin Henson has no chance of being involved in the World Cup.

Henson suffered a dislocated right wrist in Wales' 19-9 win over England on 13 August and was told he could return within "six to eight weeks".

But at the announcement of Wales' 30-man squad, Gatland said: "Gavin's not available.

"Gavin's out for 12 weeks so he's not going to be available at any stage in the World Cup."

Double-Grand Slam winner Henson was playing just his second international match for two-and-a-half years against England because of a high-profile rugby sabbatical and various injury problems.

He has suffered World Cup disappointment twice, in 2003 and 2007, and was up against midfield rivals Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and the versatile James Hook for a centre berth before injury struck.

The 29-year-old was forced off in the 32nd minute of Wales' win in Cardiff.

Warren Gatland initially thought Henson had a suspected broken arm, but scans revealed a wrist dislocation and he underwent an operation.

Wales' medical performance manager Prav Mathema said at the time: "He has been given a return to play time of six to eight weeks.

"Whilst ruling him out of selection for the initial RWC squad, could see him available to the coaches whilst we are still in the pool stages of the tournament.

"With that fact in mind Gavin will remain under the care of the Wales national squad medical staff in order to ensure that he returns to fitness at the earliest opportunity in case the coaches need to call him out to New Zealand for any reason."