Report: Rhys Webb to exit Toulon and return to Wales

Exiled scrumhalf Wales Rhys Webb is set to exit Toulon at the end of 2019/20 season according to reports coming out of France.

Webb’s move to French club Toulon in 2018 meant he was unavailable for selection by former Wales head coach Warren Gatland. With just 33 caps Webb was below the mark of 60 required for overseas-based players to be considered.

However, that could all change should the 31-year-old Webb return home. An article in Midi Olympique suggests Webb will not take an option of a third year with Toulon, and will move back to his native Wales.

The Welsh star has made no bones of the emotional turmoil he has suffered playing in France, with numerous articles suggesting the toll of playing in France has affected his family life.

The article goes on to suggest that either his former PRO14 club Ospreys – or the Newport based Dragons – will be his likely landing spot.

From yesterday’s @midi_olympique:

Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb is set to leave Toulon at the end of the season to join the Ospreys or the Dragons #Top14 pic.twitter.com/yfQswoZGSx

— Illtud W. Dafydd (@IlltudDafydd) December 28, 2019

“As far as I’m concerned I’m out of bounds with the 60-cap rule,” said Webb speaking in May when on Barbarians duty in England.

“I do believe that if there are injuries then I can come in without issue, but there has to be injuries. That’s the ruling.

“Maybe it will happen one day but for now it’s a no-go. Every time I play for Toulon, I don’t think about playing for Wales.

“The rule is in place and it motivates me to work harder and keep doing extras. I know my standard, I know where I belong as a player. I’ll maintain high standards wherever I am.”

He hasn’t played for Wales since December 2017.

The news comes hot on the heels of confirmation that Liam Williams is set to return to Scarlets at the end of the current season. Williams is coming to the end of a two-year contract with Gallagher Premiership giants Saracens.

RugbyPass had the pleasure of interviewing Ireland and Lions star David Wallace.