Edwards and Biggar call to keep Webb within Wales

GARETH Edwards and Dan Biggar have both called for rugby bosses to do everything to ensure star Ospreys and Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb stays in regional rugby.

Webb, who is 27 today, is out of contract at the end of the season and is in negotiations with the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union about re-signing a National Dual contract.

Webb, who missed the World Cup through injury, signed a dual deal last March that takes him through until the end of the season.

And Edwards, Wales’ finest ever scrum-half, said: “To hear Rhys Webb wants to sign a dual contract would be the best news I have heard in a while.

“That is because I think it’s vitally important for Welsh rugby.

“If he is not certain or things aren’t quite right, let’s put them right to make sure that everything that is contributing towards these boys staying in Wales is done.

“Because this will be the benefit for the nation in the longterm.”

Webb saw his regional and national half-back partner Biggar commit his future to Ospreys and Wales last week.

“Whoever is in charge of the decision needs to get as much done as possible for Rhys to sign,” said Biggar.

“He is a key player for Wales and would be a player lost if he was to go and he will have plenty of offers.

“Hopefully we can develop that partnership more and important we try and do everything we can to keep it.”

Biggar, who revealed the initial terms of his deal was for the next two years, admitted the lure of the Welsh jersey and success with the Ospreys has kept him based at the Liberty Stadium.

“It took a long time to decide because your career is short and there were some great offers on the table,” said Biggar.

“The most important thing for me off the back of this year is having played 10 or 12 times for Wales, there is nothing better.

“To play in front of 70,000 in that shirt is pretty special and I didn’t want to risk that by moving away.

“Playing for the Ospreys is important to me as well and I have racked up a few games for them and have some loyalty towards them.

“So, I am here for the next two years guaranteed and we will see where go from there.”