Webb is thrown to the wolves by Welsh injustice
Lions scrum-half will find himself out in the cold when 60-cap rule for exiles comes in, says James Corrigan
If he had been more ‘disloyal’ and upped studs a few years ago, he would not be in this hole
The Welsh Rugby Union’s new selection policy
– which states that only exiles with 60 caps or more will be picked for Wales – could soon prove an enlightened move, strengthening the regions and thus bolstering the supply line to the national team.
But right now it must feel like a return to Welsh rugby’s dark ages for Rhys Webb – when players were asked to put their love of the red jersey above that of financial stability.
It is 29 years since Jonathan Davies shocked the nation when spinning on those double-jointed heels of his and quitting Wales for Widnes. He called it the “hardest decision I ever made”, but ultimately he prioritised his family’s future.
It led to other highprofile internationals making the switch. The talent drain bit hard and when professionalism came into union, the dragon breathed a sigh of relief. Never again. Until now. Of course, there are huge differences between eras and, naturally, between the situations of Webb and Davies. The latter was earning only boot money from union; Webb is on roughly £350,000 per annum with a dual contract for the Ospreys and Wales.
Yet, consider that he stands to lose £750,000 over three years if he does not go through with his commitment to play for Toulon, and then understand how this deficit could affect him, his wife and their two young children.
The scrum-half is 28 and will likely only have one more major contract after this three-year deal. In earning terms, it is clearly time to strike when the Lion is hot, especially when one peers down the list of the injuries he has suffered. These are the main reasons for him falling so far short of that magical number of 60, with only 28 caps.
His Ospreys half-back partner, Dan Biggar, is also 28, but has 56 caps and, barring injury, will reach the minimum before he links up with Northampton next summer. How cruel and baffling for the WRU to inform Webb he is less worthy than Biggar. Yet that is only one aspect of this injustice.
Punishment for timing is obviously an issue; and not just because if Webb had been a little more “disloyal” and upped studs a few years ago, he would not be in this hole.
When Webb signed with Toulon two weeks ago, ‘Gatland’s Law’ was in operation and there was an international avenue left open via the Wales coach’s wild cards. However, it was a ridiculously complex and ineffective policy, because stars such as Webb, Biggar, George North, Liam Williams and Taulupe Faletau inevitably backed themselves to earn Gatland’s nod, no matter how few picks were at his disposal. So fair enough, the WRU felt obliged to act decisively. All those players at clubs outside Wales will be eligible until their contracts expire. Then they too will fall under the 60-cap regulation. Come home to play; or do not play for your homeland. Simple.
Except it never is in Welsh rugby. The WRU decided Webb was not exempt. He maintains he was never told of the imminent changes. The WRU contends he was informed and that he can still get out of the move scot free, a claim Toulon vehemently deny. It is an utter mess, a complete embarrassment and could easily have been avoided. Whatever the truth, it is unfair that all the focus has fallen on one person. At best, it is a cock-up; at worst, it is Machiavellian nonsense.
The WRU unveiled a new Wales shirt yesterday. For Webb it may as well have a ransom note emblazoned across it.