Rhys Webb announces retirement from international rugby

Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb becomes the latest player to announce retirement from international rugby ahead of the Rugby World Cup scheduled later this year in France.

He now follows the footsteps of his Ospreys teammates Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric, in announcing retirement from international duties after they were named in the initial Wales' preliminary World Cup training squad for the upcoming tournament in France.

Webb was one of the four scrum-halves present in the training squad named by Warren Gatland alongside Tomos Williams, Kieran Hardy, and Gareth Davies.

Webb made his Test debut 11 years ago but was unable to participate in the 2015 World Cup due to injury. Additionally, he was ineligible for selection in the 2019 World Cup due to Wales' previous policy regarding players playing abroad. At that time, Webb was representing Toulon.

However, he was recalled by Wales head coach Warren Gatland for the recent Six Nations tournament, and it appeared that he would play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup in France.

"Having the opportunity to play for Wales again recently has been a huge honour, and I am proud to have been named as part of the World Cup training squad," Webb wrote on his Instagram account.

"However, whilst I would have relished the chance to end my career playing for a Welsh region, the present uncertainty and difficulties in Welsh rugby meant there was little opportunity for a contract that offered security for the coming years as I see out my professional career.

"As such, when an opportunity to play abroad arose, during the off-season, enabling me to provide greater career security for myself and my family, I decided to accept the offer."