WALES fly-half Gareth Anscombe has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Anscombe was forced off in the first half of Wales' 33-19 defeat against England at Twickenham on Sunday and later seen on crutches on the sidelines.

"Gareth Anscombe is out of Rugby World Cup contention after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the match against England yesterday," read a Welsh Rugby Union statement.

"His prognosis and management with be determined following further specialist reviews.

"The Wales squad and management would like to wish Gareth the very best with his recovery."

New-Zealand born Anscombe was capped by the All Blacks' Under-20 side before moving to Wales in 2015.

Anscombe qualified for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother and won his first cap against Ireland in August 2015.

The 28-year-old played for Cardiff Blues before joining the Ospreys ahead of the new season, and established himself as Wales' first-choice fly-half during their 2019 Grand Slam-winning campaign.

Anscombe's absence leaves Dan Biggar, Jarrod Evans and Rhys Patchell as the three fly-halves in Wales' extended squad.

Wales have already lost British and Irish Lions and former Dragons back-rower Taulupe Faletau to a collarbone injury, while Cardiff Blues scrum-half Tomas Williams is awaiting a scan on a shoulder problem.