Wales and Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb has agreed to a new National Dual Contract – ending speculation surrounding his future as he intends on staying in Wales rather than playing abroad.
As reported by Wales Online, the announcement will come as good news to supporters of Welsh rugby as the 27-year-old followed in the footsteps of half-back partner Dan Biggar, who signed the NDC earlier this month.
There have been growing fears in recent years over the capability of keeping their star players within the regions as stars such as George North, Dan Lydiate and Jamie Roberts have all made moves abroad.
But now players are slowly starting to return as 17 players are currently contracted to dual contracts – including the recently returned Jonathan Davies, who rejoined the Scarlets from Clermont Auvergne last month.
The terms of the National Dual Contract had recently been agreed in March this year by the WRU and the four regions under the terms of their joint Rugby Services Agreement in order to ensure that the nation’s talent would remain in the country and WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips admitted he is pleased that the new structure is helping secure such talent.
It is fantastic to see another Welsh International re-sign a National Dual Contract and commit their playing future to their region and in Wales.
We are continuing to work closely with the Regions to ensure our top players remain in Wales and the signing of Rhys is further evidence of this relationship working.
And despite speculation linking the Ospreys star with a lucrative move abroad, he admitted that he is pleased that he could remain with his regional club.
I’m over the moon to have been able to re-sign an NDC.
With this security I can concentrate on my rehab without any distractions, knowing that I can put all my efforts into getting back out onto the pitch in the coming months and doing what I love doing the most, which is playing for the Ospreys.
It’s flattering to know that there’s interest in me out there but this is my home region and I want to do all I can for the Ospreys, continuing to develop and, hopefully, play well enough to continue being selected for Wales.
