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Rhys Webb fired by Toulon after explosive comments from new owner

By Ian Cameron
Rhys Webb is eligible for Wales' 2020 Six Nations campaign (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Rhys Webb has been dramatically given the axe by Toulon after the clubs new owner said he would never wear the shirt again.

This week Webb signed for his former club Ospreys, who he left in 2018 for a lucrative deal with the Top 14 giants. He however chose not to take up an optional third year with Toulon.

The club are not happy with how Webb alleged conducted himself over his, with new owner Bernard Lemaitre slamming the scrumhalf in public.

Webb had openly spoken in the media of the difficulties he had experienced living in the south of France with his young family. Lemaitre has little sympathy for the Welshman and says the 9 was not upfront about his dealing with the WRU and the Ospreys.

"His family is back in Wales, it's difficult for him. We made beach-sized amounts of time for him to be able to go back and see his family in Wales," Lemaitre told Sud Radio.

"All of a sudden we learn he has already signed for the Ospreys and his agent had already negotiated with the Welsh union that he can be selected. It's a dishonest attitude.

"It takes us to a situation where I think Rhys Webb will not play in the Toulon shirt again. The adventure will be cut short."

He hasn’t played for Wales since December 2017. Earlier this week Webb spoke of his delight at confirming his return to Wales.

“I have loved my time in Toulon but it’s a relief to come home to the Ospreys.

"It’s where my family are, where I was brought up, and where rugby all started for me. To return to play for my home region again is just really special for me and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to do that again."

"I have been away for two years, and I know there have been a lot of changes and that there are a lot of exciting young players coming through and some familiar faces too, I am looking forward to the challenge."