Rugby world rallies behind Anscombe on social media

After Gareth Anscombe sent a message out on Twitter and Instagram, the rugby world have sent their support for the Wales fly-half who is set to miss the World Cup. 

The New Zealand-born out-half started against England at Twickenham on Sunday in his side’s 33-19 loss but came off before half-time with a knee injury. 

Scans later revealed that he damaged his ACL, something that he may have done early in the half, but he battled on despite the injury. 

He shared on social media that it was “a pretty tough 24 hours to take”, but is still excited to watch Wales “go on and do something special”.

The injury is a devastating development for the fly-half, who looked set to start in the No10 jersey throughout the World Cup. 

Racing know exactly how the Anscombe-less Wales feel https://t.co/EvnzG7QMd8

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 13, 2019

He has received a lot of support from current and former players on social media, who obviously feel the player’s pain. Although many are not Welsh, no one would wish this upon a player after spending four years building up to this moment. 

The likes of Liam Messam, Quade Cooper and Bundee Aki have all showed sympathy on Instagram, while Jerome Kaino said the “best is yet to come” and Matt Toomua said he was “Shattered for you mate”. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1EoDRZAmSA/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

Anscombe has also received a lot of support on Twitter, as many have wished him a speedy recovery. The 28-year-old also joined the Ospreys over the summer, so his hopes of making an impact at the Liberty Stadium this season may have been scuppered as well. 

Unlucky brother. Heal fast mate 👊🏻

— Nick Evans (@nick10evans) August 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/Rushy_8/status/1160968471494254592?s=20

Gutted for you mate. Speedy recovery

— Dan Bowden (@danbowden_) August 12, 2019

Wretched luck; best wishes.

— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) August 12, 2019

Absolutely devastating news .. thoughts are with Gareth and family…

— Phil Vickery MBE DL (@Phil_Vickery) August 12, 2019

This is the harsh reality of rugby and while it is always sad to see a player sustain a serious injury, it becomes all the worse in the build-up to a World Cup, particularly given the confidence that Wales are entering the tournament with. 

WATCH: Wales coach Warren Gatland and captain Alun Wyn Jones speak to the press following their defeat to England