Experienced duo Mike Phillips and James Hook have been named among eight players to miss out after Wales coach Warren Gatland trimmed his Rugby World Cup training squad to 38.

The pair, who have amassed 172 caps between them, were given a chance to prove their worth in Saturday's first warm-up fixture at home to Ireland, but have been deemed surplus to requirements following the 35-21 defeat in Cardiff.

Hooker Richard Hibbard is another British and Irish Lion who has failed to make the cut, while Nicky Smith, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Rhys Patchell and Jack Dixon complete the eight.

"It's been a difficult task reducing the squad down and deciding who will meet up with us again on Monday," said Gatland. "All the players involved over the past eight weeks have put a huge amount of effort in.  

"The intensity and dedication from the players [at training camps] out in Switzerland and Qatar has been really impressive.

"That makes our job a lot harder but, as we continue to move into our rugby-focused phase of training, it's important we reduce the squad number down.

"There will be disappointment from the players but its important to stress that the door is not closed. We name our final Rugby World Cup squad on August 31 and a lot can happen between now and then.

"As a squad we will now meet up again on Monday to continue preparing for Ireland away which is just over a fortnight away."

Wales face a challenging group at the World Cup, having been drawn in Pool A alongside Australia, England, Fiji and outsiders Uruguay.