Tuesday 17 October 2017 08:13, UK
Warren Gatland is leaving a transfer decision in Rhys Webb's hands as the scrum-half could become the first high-profile casualty of Wales' new senior player selection policy.
The Wales head coach has admitted he feels for his star No 9 who is set to become ineligible to play for the national side next season after agreeing to join RC Toulon.
Wales' new selection policy states that if an individual plays their club rugby outside of Wales then they must have won 60 caps or more to still be eligible for the national side - Webb is a long way off that with just 28 caps.
"I had a good conversation with Rhys," said Gatland.
"He is 28, has had injuries, he is thinking about himself, his future and his family, and so he may have made that decision whether he was captured or not.
"We see those decisions being made in other countries - the All Blacks and Australians make those decisions - it is a lifestyle and security decision.
"He can still get out of his Toulon contract. He has just signed a letter of agreement. He has not signed a full contact with Toulon.
"He needs to make his own decision. You should talk to his agent, Derwyn (Jones). We spoke to him before to say it was potentially going to be introduced. He is well aware of it.
"He has spoken to Rhys, I have spoken to Rhys - not so much about that, but his decision to go. He has had a lot of injuries, he is 28, getting to 60 caps might take three years and he might not get that opportunity [to move] again.
"You have to feel for him. From my point of view we potentially won't be able to pick a world-class player. That's disappointing."
Gloucester flanker Ross Moriarty (17 caps) and Exeter prop Tomas Francis (23 caps) could also be caught out when their existing club contracts expire, although not if they decide to move to Wales.
On the new policy generally, Gatland added: "The number means that when those players do reach 60 caps there is an opportunity to go and play outside of Wales. I understand that.
"There is pressure on players to make what is the best decision for themselves and in the future. We have to recognise that. There are market forces outside of Wales.
"Part of the criteria is a desire to have five competitive entities - the national team and four competitive regions."
