Webb signs short-term deal with with Bath
RHYS Webb has joined Bath and is set to make his Gallagher Premiership debut against Bristol Bears in Sunday’s huge west country derby.
The Lions and Wales star has signed for the Ospreys for next season after leaving French club Toulon.
But he was in limbo and Bath have recruited him on a shortterm deal with Webb desperate for game-time.
He came off the Wales bench during their opening match of the Six Nations against Italy but failed to make Wayne Pivac’s 23 for the losses to Ireland and France.
Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said Webb will be an exciting addition to a Bath squad bidding for a top four finish in the Premiership.
“We’re very excited to be bringing in an international talent to join the group, and to add some depth and quality to our scrumhalf position at such a critical time of the year, and also after losing Max Green last month,” said the former lock forward.
“There will be some familiar faces for him here, and a signing of this calibre is something I know will be welcomed by the squad.
“I’m sure he’ll settle in quickly and I know he is looking for some game-time as soon as possible.
“We’re looking forward to getting him in the blue, black and white and out in front of our supporters at The Rec.”
Meanwhile, fellow Wales and British and Irish Lions star Liam Williams has joined the Scarlets with immediate effect and he could play for them this weekend.
The blockbusting counterattacker was due to rejoin the Welsh region at the end of the season but that has been brought forward amid Saracens’ recent salary cap breaches and impending relegation from England’s top flight.
Both organisations reached a mutual agreement that has allowed the 28-year-old to leave Allianz Park earlier than anticipated.
Insurance issues have held up the move until now as Williams returns from an ankle injury that he suffered in the week building up to the Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa last October.
But as he nears full fitness, the move has now been confirmed.
Wales have been hoping that Williams would prove his fitness in time to face England at Twickenham a week Saturday but is likely to require game time before that fixture.