Rhys Webb set for Wales return after Toulon release

Scrum-half Rhys Webb's chances of resuming his Wales career next summer has taken a big boost after Toulon have agreed to release him from the final year of his contract at the end of the ongoing season.

Webb featured for Ospreys between 2007 and 2018 and signed a three-year contract with Toulon starting from 2018/19 season which effectively made him ineligible to represent Wales due to the Welsh Rugby Union's policy of selecting Wales players plying their trade overseas with a minimum of 60-Test appearances.

The 31-year-old has played 31 times for Wales between 2012 and 2017 and has scored eight tries. He also featured for the British and Irish Lions two times during the 2017 tour of New Zealand which ended in a draw.

“I would like to thank the club for the welcome and support it has given me since I joined last season,” Webb said in a statement.

“It has been and remains an honour to play for this great club. I’ve loved all the time I’ve spent here and I would especially like to thank my teammates, coaches, supporters and all those who are now for me as family and friends for life.

“It was difficult for me to be away from my family and my young children.

"From now on, I am determined to give my best for the club until the end of the season and I hope that we will obtain the victories that the club deserves."

Earlier Ospreys backs coach Matt Sherratt and Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan earlier confirmed that they have not approached Webb on his return to Wales.