Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Steffan Thomas

Rhys Webb considers offer to leave Welsh rugby as proposed new Ospreys contract will half salary

Rhys Webb could be the latest international to leave Wales with the experienced Ospreys scrum-half weighing up an offer from Japan.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has been in negotiations about extending his contract at the Ospreys.

WalesOnline understands Webb's preferred option is to stay at the Ospreys but sources close to the player insists the 38 times capped Wales star is very unhappy with the contract he's been offered.

SIGN UP: Get the latest exclusive stories and breaking rugby headlines sent straight to your inbox for free with our daily newsletter

His proposed new contract will see his salary cut by half while he has only been offered a one year extension at the Ospreys.

In contrast the Japanese club in question are prepared to offer the Bridgend man significant money and a longer term contract.

Welsh rugby is in a terrible financial situation with wages set to drop significantly next season while each region will eventually have to operate off playing budgets as low as £4.5million.

While players understand the need to cut costs to make the game in Wales more sustainable, the extent to which wages will instantly drop, especially for senior internationals, is too much for some to stomach.

Even though he would rather stay in Wales as things stands, Webb has no choice but to explore options overseas with Japan his likeliest destination.

Webb is just one of a long list of players who are likely to leave Wales at the end of the season.

Wales lock Will Rowlands has already signed for Racing92 while Jarrod Evans is set to be playing his rugby at Harlequins next season.

Ross Moriarty has a contract offer on the table from Bayonne, while Cardiff pair Josh Adams and Liam Williams are targets for Lyon and Kobe Steelers, respectively.

Wales hooker Ryan Elias was a target for Racing 92 and Clermont Auvergne but he is now likely to stay at the Scarlets.

Despite being in the latter stage of his career, the loss of Webb would be a blow for the Ospreys given the way he has controlled proceedings on the field this season.

But the reality is the Welsh sides are unable to match the offers on the table outside the country, and it is an inevitability more stars will leave.

READ MORE:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.