‘60-cap rule needs to be more flexible’

RICHARD Hibbard believes Wales’ 60-cap rule needs to be more flexible.

Selection policy currently states players will not be eligible to feature under Wayne Pivac if they have won fewer than 60 caps and opted to play their club rugby outside Wales.

Rhys Webb became a major casualty of the Welsh Rugby Union’s ruling when he signed for French powerhouses Toulon three years ago.

Thomas Young is currently unavailable for international selection after extending his stay with Gallagher Premiership side Wasps earlier this year.

And Dragons forward Hibbard believes cases should be looked at on an individual basis when it comes to determining eligibility to represent Wales.

“I don’t think it should be as definitive as 60 caps,” the hooker told the BBC.

“Rhys Webb played over 100 times for the Ospreys. They should look at things on an individual basis and consider exceptions to the rules.”

■ WARREN Gatland has admitted the Lions will have to be flexible should their tour of South Africa need to be rescheduled owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

The game has been on hold around the world since March due to Covid-19, although many competitions are slowly edging towards a return.

Gatland is due to lead the Lions into battle against the Springboks in just over 12 months. And the Kiwi says his troops will adapt.

“I’m conscious of what’s best for the game,” Gatland told AAP.

“There’a a lot of things going on at the moment that if it does get pushed back a little bit, we have to deal with that.

“The Lions tour is something I know the players have been looking forward to. If it means that we have to move some dates, we have to be flexible.”