WRU clear the way for Webb to fight for 2020 Six Nations selection

Rhys Webb could soon win his first Wales cap since December 2017 after the Welsh Rugby Union declared him eligible for selection for the 2020 Six Nations. 

The scrum-half has not been available for the international side since his club move to Toulon. However, Webb is set to join the Ospreys next summer after it was announced earlier this week that the French Top 14 outfit would be realising him from his contract a year earlier than planned for family reasons.

That has changed the WRU’s view on Webb’s ineligibility and the professional rugby board (PRB) have 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 the 31-year-old for selection.

The regulations of the policy meant that the 2017 Lions tourist would not be available for Test level duty until July 1 this year. However, that is now no longer the case and he has been cleared to compete for a place in Pivac’s squad for the February 1 Six Nations opener at home to Italy. 

It is 25 months since Webb won the last of his 31 Wales caps, coming off the bench in a win over South Africa in Cardiff. “It’s just great to come back where rugby all started for me. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and fighting for the Ospreys jersey again.

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“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.”

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