Rhys Webb has formally reaffirmed his commitment to Toulon, officially killing off persistent rumours he will be returning to Welsh rugby ahead of the World Cup.
The scrum-half is off limits to Wales as he is an exiled player who has fewer than 60 caps.
His family came home earlier this year and there has been much talk of Webb following them on compassionate grounds, with Toulon chairman Mourad Boudjellal declaring that he wouldn’t stand in the scrum-half’s way if he wanted to head back to Wales this summer.
Such a move would make the 34-cap player available to Warren Gatland once again, and the Dragons and the Ospreys have been mentioned as potential destinations, but Webb has told Toulon his future is with them.
“Toulon had heard the rumours linking me with a return to Wales,” said Webb.
“Understandably, they wanted to know whether there’s any truth in them.
“But I told them last week I am happy at the club and staying put.
Gavin Henson is becoming the landlord of this beautiful Welsh pub in a big career change
“It’s only fair on everyone that I clarified my position. The club have been good to me and I enjoy playing for them. It was only right that I let them know where I stood. I am under contract and that is the end of it.
“It means that under the rules in place in Wales, I won’t be going to the World Cup.
“That is a huge shame because I haven’t played in a World Cup before and it is every professional player’s ambition to do so.
“I suppose if there are injuries or other extreme circumstances it is still possible, but the likelihood is it isn’t going to happen. I will be wishing the boys all the best from afar.”
Webb could have grounds for being less than impressed with the 60-cap rule after seeing Tomas Francis keep his Wales eligibility despite recommitting to Exeter Chiefs until 2021. The prop is able to stay part of the national set-up as he extended his old deal rather than penned a fresh one. You can read more about that situation here.
And the uncapped Rhys Carre will be eligible for Wales next season even though he has lined up a deal with Saracens. An explanation for that scenario can be found here.
“I’m not bitter,” said Webb.
“But it isn’t easy for me to get my head around all these loopholes.
“It just seems odd that in certain cases players can carry on playing for Wales despite playing outside the regional system and others like myself can’t.
“Of course it’s frustrating, but there’s nothing I can do about the 60-cap rule. It was brought in after I’d committed to Toulon, so I’ll never quite be able to understand why I fall foul of it, but I’m resigned to the situation now.”
Toulon have had a challenging season, but Webb has been in form of late, underlining why the French club were so keen to secure his services.
It says much for his character that he has been performing so well while his family are at home.
“I have been able to get home quite a bit to see them, so it hasn’t been too bad,” he said.
The best Wales team each of the Welsh regions has ever fielded and the one who would win
“I watched one of my boys playing in a tournament in Burry Port last weekend, and I’ve made plenty of other trips back, too.
“It is what it is. People come out here to see me regularly and I’ll be able to spend a lot of time with them in the summer. Nor is the situation for ever. It’s just a question of making the best of things.
“I want to say how grateful I am for the support I’ve received from back home.
“A lot of people have been to the fore for me since I’ve been out here, saying how much they’d like it if I weren’t captured by the 60-cap rule, and it’s greatly appreciated. It’s great to know some people value what you do.
“Ultimately, though, I’ve made a commitment to Toulon. I want to play as well as I can for them. That has to be my focus.”
