Wales scrumhalf Rhys Webb is having to say goodbye to his
family as they return home after struggling to settle in France.
Webb signed a 3 year contract for French side Toulon in the summer which ultimately ends his international career as he has yet to reach the required caps to play outside of Wales and still represent his country.
The news was confirmed by Webb’s fiancée, Delyth Hewitt in an emotional blog in which she confirms she
will head back to Wales with their three children, Regan, 8, Jesse 3, and baby
Remi. Webb will remain in Toulon further highlighting the pressures that
players and and their families face when moving abroad.
In her blog she stated:
“Of course, there are moments where I have doubts: is this really a realistic idea? Leaving Rhys here and taking the boys back? But the truth is, I don’t really know what it’s going to be like.
“I know it’s going to be amazing being around family and
friends again and it’ll be lovely to not have to stare blankly at someone who
speaks rapid French to me in the supermarket or remember ‘passenger to
pavement’ whenever I find myself driving on unfamiliar roads and my instinct is
to come off the roundabout the wrong way (again). But it’s going to be horrible
being away from Rhys.
“Now I’m ok with my own company, I’m a bit of a hermit
anyway, and we’re only 7 hours door to door away, but still.. it’s that extra
pair of hands around; the company you enjoy sitting in silence with after a
long day of finding responses to satisfy Jesse’s constant intrigue; a different
(and apparently more authoritative) voice for the boys to hear telling them to
“LEAVE EACH OTHER ALONE” or him being there take the boys outside to practice
rugby drills in the garden. Either way, what we both know is that their
happiness and their fulfillment is paramount, and we’re so so proud of the
effort they and their friends have put in trying to adapt to their new
lifestyle.
“So (in a few weeks) we go again, on another little adventure. Only this time to more familiar territory…..”
But Webb will stay where he is. He is in the first term of a three-year contract on the Cote D’Azur and says his commitment to Toulon will remain full-on.
“We made the decision for Delyth and the kids to go back to Wales because we thought it would be in the boys’ best interest,” said Webb.
“It hasn’t been working out for one of my sons, Regan, in particular, and when that happens you take action to improve the situation.
“I’m under contract with Toulon and I am going to do my best to make the new situation work.
Webb is unavailable to Wales and Warren Gatland under the rule that bars exiled players from featuring for their country unless they have 60 or more caps. But he isn’t thinking about that right now.
“Playing for Wales always meant a huge amount and I still feel sad that particular privilege has been put out of my reach,” he said.
“But it’s not something I can afford to think about at this point.
“Family issues are to the fore now and have to take all my attention.”
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
