Scrum-half Webb linked with move to Exeter Chiefs

WALES scrum-half Rhys Webb is being linked with a move to English Premiership giants Exeter Chiefs.

The 30-year-old former Osprey had a difficult first season in the Top 14 with European heavyweights Toulon, with the start of his stay on the south coast of France blighted by injury.

And the 31-times capped No.9 also saw his family return to Wales after failing to settle across the Channel.

His move from the Ospreys to the three-time European Champions Cup winners in the summer of 2018 also saw Webb unable to add to his Test appearances following the implementation of the 60-cap threshold for players plying their trade outside of Wales.

The Rugby Paper report Exeter Chiefs are in the market for a scrumhalf with Wallabies No.9 Nic White heading back to Australia at the end of this season. As previously reported by the Western Mail, Webb has a clause in his three-year contract which would allow him to leave Toulon in the summer of 2020.

Exeter are no strangers to having Welsh internationals on their books with former Test wing Alex Cuthbert and current tighthead Tomas Francis plying their trade at Sandy Park.

They also have former Dragons centre Phil Dollman playing in his 11th successive season in the west country.

Though a return to Wales is likely to be Webb’s favoured destination so he can resume his international career, the question would be whether the regions would have the budget to bring him in.

According to the Rugby Paper both Bath and Bristol Bears are also both considering their scrum-half options.