Tom Rees' World Cup dream in tatters

Tom Rees's hopes of playing in next year's World Cup appear over after he was told he must undergo a third shoulder operation next week which will rule him out for at least six months.

The London Wasps captain missed most of last year due to the same injury and there will be serious concerns over the flanker's future in the sport as his play requires his body to take constant batterings at the break down.

Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks said: "We are hugely disappointed for Tom, especially given the incredible efforts he made to come back from two lengthy shoulder injuries last season.

"However, our primary focus is to ensure that our players are looked after and that injuries are managed as effectively as possible. Therefore, in light of the new shoulder complaint, it is thought by all parties that surgery is the best option for short term recovery and long-term sustainability."

With Rees out for the season, there seems little chance of the 15‑cap forward being part of England's squad for the World Cup, which starts in New Zealand in September.

Saracens' clash with London Wasps at Wembley is the highlight of the Boxing Day rugby programme and will provide a boost to the Evening Standard's Dispossessed Fund.

The club will give the proceeds from thousands of ticket sales to the initiative, which they have adopted as their charity for the season.

Tickets, costing just £10 for adults and £5 for
under-16s, are available from Ticketmaster, who have agreed to waive their fee.

The Aviva Premiership side are also selling Saracens Santa Hats online and at home games throughout the month with profits going to the Dispossessed Fund, which is focused on lifting Londoners out of poverty.

For tickets go to www.standard.co.uk/saracens