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Report: Rhys Webb to exit Toulon and return to Wales

Rhys Webb

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

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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.

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

“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.

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“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.

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M
MA 3 hours ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..

If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.


My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.


ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.


Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.


Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.


It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.


So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.


After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.


Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.


Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.

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