Give Webb a reprieve demands Rowlands
WELSH rugby’s elder statesman Clive Rowlands is calling for the international ban on Rhys Webb to be lifted.
“It comes to something when a player born in Bridgend cannot play for Wales from next season,’’ he tells
TRP. “But a player born in New Zealand can. Where is the sense in that?’’
Scarlets’ Kiwi centre Hadleigh Parkes, earmarked to make his Wales debut against South Africa on December 2 the day after qualifying on the three-year residency rule, will go to the World Cup in two years’ time. Toulon-bound Webb will not because he has fewer than 60 caps.
“I think the rule is wrong,’’ says Rowlands, manager of Wales when they finished third at the 1987 World Cup. “I don’t think it’s fair. Webb has given 11 years to Welsh rugby. Parkes has been here for three years. Parkes
is not breaking any law but that doesn’t mean I agree with it.
“I believe that whoever is picked for Wales should be allowed to play irrespective of whatever country he is playing in. When I was coaching Wales we had eight players playing in England at London Welsh. “There was never a question about them not being allowed to play for Wales. And all eight were British Lions.’’ Webb’s three-year deal at Toulon is worth £1.7m, virtually twice as much as he would have earned over the same period had he renewed his dual Ospreys-WRU contract. “Professional rugby is a job and I understand why Webb is going,’’ says Rowlands, below left. “Whenever players move to another country they have to make sure they get released for Wales. If they don’t get that written into their contract, then don’t sign.
“Webb is the best scrumhalf we’ve had for a while, since Dwayne Peel started in 2001. I understand what Rhys is saying: ‘I’d love to play for Wales. I’ve signed my contract with Toulon and I’m sticking to it.’
“He can’t get bogged down in a war. They have to reconsider it although I doubt whether they will.’’
The row over Webb’s exclusion from next season has raged on, dividing opinion throughout the game. Wales under Warren Gatland have taken the pragmatic policy of picking him until forbidden to do so by their own rules.
Ireland, in contrast, have taken a very different stance over the impending exit of one of their Lions, Simon Zebo to Racing. They have dropped him from their squad rather than let it interfere with their preparations for the World Cup in two years’ time.