Webb issues statement after 'negative' messages on social media

Welsh scrum half Rhys Webb has issued a statement on Twitter after his fiance revealed that she and their three children were moving back home.

The British and Irish Lion is in his first year of a three-year deal with French Top 14 club Toulon, but it's provoked speculation that he could shorten his stint in France.

It's further exacerbated by Toulon's signing of France scrum half Baptiste Serin from Bordeaux Begles.

But Webb has responded to the rumours and also taken aim at social media critics who have questioned the recent family decision.

"Of course this is Twitter. You get positive and negative messages," he said on Twitter

"Do I take note of the negative, absolutely not one bit. This decision is a family decision and unfortunately I appreciate everyone is going to give their opinions but we have incredible support around us so that’s all that matters."

"I’m a Toulon player and, as always, will give 110  per cent!

"People questioning will I leave as another nine is arriving – absolutely not! I relish these opportunities and thrive on them."

Webb’s fiancée, Delyth Hewitt in her blog confirmed that Webb was staying in France while she heads home with their three children, Regan, 8, Jesse, 3, and baby Remi. It highlights the pressures that players and their families must deal with when moving countries.

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In her blog she explained the difficulties of moving to a different country with young children stating: “Of course, there are moments where I have doubts: is this really a realistic idea? Leaving Rhys here and taking the boys back? But the truth is, I don’t really know what it’s going to be like.

“I know it’s going to be amazing being around family and friends again and it’ll be lovely to not have to stare blankly at someone who speaks rapid French to me in the supermarket or remember ‘passenger to pavement’ whenever I find myself driving on unfamiliar roads and my instinct is to come off the roundabout the wrong way (again). But it’s going to be horrible being away from Rhys.

“Now I’m ok with my own company, I’m a bit of a hermit anyway, and we’re only 7 hours door to door away, but still.. it’s that extra pair of hands around; the company you enjoy sitting in silence with after a long day of finding responses to satisfy Jesse’s constant intrigue; a different (and apparently more authoritative) voice for the boys to hear telling them to “LEAVE EACH OTHER ALONE” or him being there take the boys outside to practice rugby drills in the garden. Either way, what we both know is that their happiness and their fulfillment is paramount, and we’re so so proud of the effort they and their friends have put in trying to adapt to their new lifestyle.

“So (in a few weeks) we go again, on another little adventure. Only this time to more familiar territory…..”

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