Wales' bid to retain the Six Nations has been strengthened by the news that Rhys Webb is eligible to play in this year’s tournament.
The scrum-half, who boasts 31 Test caps, has been ineligible to play at international level since leaving Ospreys to join French side Toulon in 2018.
As of October 2017, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) rules state that players are unavailable for selection if they have won fewer than 60 caps and opted to move away from Wales.
Webb fell into that category but, after this week agreeing to rejoin Ospreys next season on a two-year deal, he is now available to play for Wales in this year’s Six Nations.
A WRU statement read: “The Welsh Rugby Union can confirm Rhys Webb will be eligible for selection for the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.
“It was announced earlier this week that Top 14 side Toulon had agreed to Webb's early release from his contract for family reasons.
“Following the 31-times capped scrum-half's contractual commitment to return to play his club rugby in Wales with the Ospreys next season, the Professional Rugby Board (PRB) has agreed to an application from the player and his representative to allow a six-month dispensation from the Senior Player Selection Policy, during which new Wales head coach Wayne Pivac can consider Webb for selection.”
Originally, Webb was only expected to be available for international selection from July 1.
