Webb being courted by the French and English

RHYS Webb is reportedly being touted around leading clubs in England and France as he comes to the end of his national dual contract.

The Ospreys’ Wales and Lions scrum-half becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

Reports in the French press suggest Webb’s CV is being circulated throughout the Top 14 and the Aviva Premiership, with Midi Olympique carrying the story underneath the headline “Webb on sale in France”.

It is not exactly news the Ospreys will be elated to hear.

Dan Biggar is lined up for a move to Northampton Saints at the end of the season and the Welsh region would not want to see his half-back partner leave at the same time.

Nor would the Welsh Rugby Union be especially pleased to see another player depart the regional scene, given the complications that might bring for Warren Gatland under the union’s senior player selection policy.

At 28 and with a successful Lions’ campaign under his belt — he played in two Tests in New Zealand in the summer, though Conor Murray started — Webb is well-placed to negotiate a good deal. In fact, his bargaining power may never be as strong again.

There is also the point that French and English clubs could easily blow out of the water a joint deal for Webb with the WRU.

But the Liberty Stadium region still wouldn’t want to see Webb depart.

Ashley Beck is also being reportedly touted around France as he comes to the end of his Ospreys contract at the end of the season.