No longer in the cast but in touch (3,2,4)

I believe the answer is:

out of play

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'in touch' is the definition.
(in rugby, a ball in touch is out of play)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for out of play that I've seen before include "Dismissed from cast" , "may be in touch" , "In touch maybe" , "No longer taking part" , "actor no longer in the cast?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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