Robert Jones wants Dwayne Peel included in Wales squad

Dwayne Peel has won 76 caps for Wales since making his debut in 2001

Ex-Wales captain Robert Jones has said scrum-half Dwayne Peel should be included in Wales' World Cup squad.

Peel insists he is fully fit after Wales attack coach Robert Howley said he was suffering from a ruptured finger and a hip injury.

The Sale player has not featured in the World Cup warm-up matches but Jones believes he should be part of the 30-man squad that goes to New Zealand.

"They have to talk with him and I hope they can resolve this," Jones said.

Wales coach Warren Gatland will name his squad for the World Cup on 22 August, two days after the final warm-up match against Argentina this Saturday.

Mike Phillips started the two games against England in the number nine shirt, while Scarlets scrum-half Tavis Knoyle will win his fifth cap against Argentina on Saturday.

Cardiff Blues youngster Lloyd Williams is among the replacements and Gatland has said the chances are slim for Peel to regain his place.

Peel did not attend two training camps in Poland in July because his contract with Sale meant he was unavailable for Wales' build-up until 4 August.

And Jones, who won 54 caps for Wales, believes a breakdown in communication between the Welsh management and Sale has led to the current situation.

"It sounds as though they haven't been talking and that's sad to be honest," Jones told BBC Radio Cymru.

"We're a small country. We have to look after everyone we've got."

Sale's executive director of sport, Steve Diamond, revealed that 29-year-old Peel had been back in training since the start of June.

"Yes, he did have a finger injury but he's not missed one training session with us since June 6 and he was declared fit to go into contact in July," said Diamond.

"We want Dwayne to play in the World Cup and I think Wales should have another look at their selection.

"To be perfectly honest the Wales management haven't spoken to me about Dwayne Peel in the six months that I've been at the club.

"Common sense tells us that they're not going to pick him, which is fantastic for Sale but not fantastic for him."

And former Swansea scrum-half Jones, who played at two World Cups, believes Peel's experience would be vital in New Zealand.

"There are young players coming through," said Jones. "We have Lloyd Williams and Tavis Knoyle.

"But you're talking about someone who is on top of his game. He's one of the best players we've got. He has plenty of experience.

"You've got to talk to him and you've got to bring him in.

"It's possible if something happens out there, like injuries, then Dwayne Peel would be the scrum-half to bring in."