Gavin Henson has failed to shake off an Achilles injury in time to make the Wales squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, but the centre will remain on standby in case of any injuries to the travelling players.

Confirmation of Henson's omission came today when he was ruled out of the team to face England in a pre-tournament warm-up match in Twickenham on Saturday.

It is the latest blow for a player who has been hampered by numerous injuries since the Lions tour of New Zealand in 2005.

Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins decided to make the early announcement despite the deadline for naming a world cup squad being over a fortnight away.

"We have taken an early decision on Gavin and decided that he is no longer in contention for the Rugby World Cup squad which must be named before August 14th and so not considered him for selection against England," said Jenkins.

"He's had every opportunity we could have given him, but the recent Achilles injury in particular has meant he's not been able to train at full pelt and that has reflected in his conditioning. I think we all agree he is not where he needs to be.

"We have talked to him today and he is very understanding. It was a tough call but a call that was necessary and one we had to make sooner rather than later for his sake as well as ours.

"He is disappointed, but I think he's realised he's been fighting a bit of a losing battle in the last month.

"He's been unlucky. He's a talent we know that, but a talent is one thing. Current form and being as fit as everyone else is equally important, but Gav is not having the bounce, he's not having the luck."

It appears, however, Henson is fit enough to remain on call.

"He's an international standard rugby player. He knows that and this doesn't mean his World Cup is necessarily over either," said Jenkins. "If his form is good and he's improved on fitness between now and September then he'll have a chance. Anything can happen in a World Cup and we may still need him yet if we get an injury."