Former Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb announced his international retirement today, as the 34-year-old stepped down from Warren Gatland’s training squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Wales fans have reacted to the news on social media, as Webb becomes the third Wales veteran to hang up his international boots. Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric dealt the WRU double blows, after their international retirements on May 19th.
Webb stated how a move abroad was a key motivator for the international retirement, in order to provide greater security for his family after he has finished his career.
Webb looks set to end his career without playing at the Rugby World Cup, as he suffered an untimely injury in a 2015 World Cup Warm-Up game. Webb was then ruled as ineligible for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, as he played overseas in Toulon.
Webb wrote on his Instagram account: “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.
“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.
“I feel that after achieving my goal of returning to the Wales set-up, it is the right time now for me to step away from international rugby and just enjoy my last few years as a professional rugby player.
“I’d like to thank the Ospreys for continuing to believe in me, even when my omission from the Welsh squad sometimes had me doubting my own ability and Warren, for giving me a chance to pull the famous red jersey on once again.”