Rhys Webb may be leaving Wales next season, but he will continue to be eligible for selection for the national side.
Toulon have confirmed that the scrum-half will be joining the Pro 14 club from next year, bringing to an end Webb’s decade-long stay at Top 14 side Ospreys.
C’est officiel pour @RhysWebb_9 au #RCT ! https://t.co/lyCRXgftwi pic.twitter.com/0v1ebOFeaj
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) October 10, 2017
It was thought that the 28-year-old’s move to France would mean that he will fall foul of Gatland’s Law – a ruling that says that only four overseas players can be selected for the Welsh team at any one time – a number that will be halved in 2019. However, in the brief statement above, in addition to confirming that Webb has agreed a three-year deal, it also says that a compromise has been agreed regarding the Lion’s Wales eligibility:
“A fair deal has been found in good faith with regard to its national selection in the interest of both parties.”
Quite how that compromise will manifest itself or co-exist with Gatland’s Law remains to be seen, but it is terrific news for Webb with the World Cup two years away. He missed the 2015 tournament through injury and the finals in Japan may be his last chance to represent his country at the highest level.
_____
[gravityform id=”1″ title=”true” description=”true”]
Read More About: Ospreys, pro 14, rhys webb, Top 14, Toulon, Wales, warren gatland
