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Rhys Webb
Rhys Webb
from Wikipedia

Rhys Webb (born 9 December 1988) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays as a scrum-half. Born in Bridgend, he is a product of the Ospreys academy and played club rugby for Bridgend and Aberavon before breaking into the regional side in 2008. He played for the Ospreys for 10 years before moving to French club Toulon in 2018, but terminated his contract with them in 2020 and agreed a return to the Ospreys; however, he was unable to join the Ospreys immediately and signed for Bath for the remainder of the 2019–20 season before returning to the Ospreys.

Key Information

Webb represented Wales at under-16, under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, as well as in international rugby sevens, before making his debut for the senior national team in 2012. He played 31 times before the Welsh Rugby Union's selection criteria meant his move to Toulon made him ineligible for further selection; however, his decision to return to the Ospreys in 2020 meant he could again be included in the selection pool. Webb was also selected in the British & Irish Lions' squad for their 2017 tour to New Zealand.

Webb is currently serving a four year ban due to end in June 2027 in relation to an anti-doping rule violation after testing positive for human growth hormone (HGH) in July 2023.[1]

Career

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Club career

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Born in Bridgend and educated at Brynteg Comprehensive School,[2] Webb began his rugby career with Bridgend Athletic RFC, and also played for Bridgend and Aberavon in the Welsh Premiership[3] while coming through the Ospreys age grade system; he won the Reebok Regional Championship trophy with the under-18s side during the 2005–06 season and was a losing finalist with the under-20s during the 2006–07 season. He was also a Rugby league junior with Bridgend Blue Bulls and East Wales in 2004.

He made his debut for the senior regional side in March 2008, coming on as a substitute for Shane Williams in a 32–7 win over Ulster.[4] He made another substitute appearance in a 19–18 loss to Edinburgh a month later, replacing Justin Marshall,[5] before starting the final two games of the season against the Newport Gwent Dragons and Connacht.[6][7] At the end of the season, he signed a new four-year contract with the region.[8]

Injuries to fellow scrum-halves Mike Phillips and Jamie Nutbrown during the 2008–09 season meant more opportunities for Webb to make an impression in the Ospreys first team, making 11 appearances during the season. He played just twice in the team's title-winning 2009–10 campaign, but eventually supplanted Phillips as the Ospreys' starting scrum-half during the 2010–11 season, after impressing while Phillips was on Wales duty. He suffered a shoulder injury at the end of the season, but underwent surgery and was fit enough to begin the 2011–12 season as the team's starting scrum-half,[9] replacing Phillips, who had moved to Bayonne.[10] Webb scored his first senior try in the opening game of the season, a 27–3 win at home to Leinster.[11] He scored again the following week against Edinburgh,[12] and added two more before the end of the season.

In March 2015, Webb became the eighth player to sign a dual-contract between club and the WRU.[13]

An ankle injury suffered in Wales' opening Autumn international against Australia on 5 November ruled him out for up to 12 weeks, but recovered slightly ahead of schedule,[14] and scored within four minutes of his return to club rugby as he captained the Ospreys to a 26–21 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Challenge Cup on 21 January.[15] He also played the first half of the Ospreys' 20–14 Anglo-Welsh Cup win over Bristol, before returning to Wales duty for the 2017 Six Nations.[16]

On 10 October 2017, it was announced that Webb would leave Ospreys after 10 years with the region to join French club Toulon in the Top 14 on a three-year contract. In March 2018, Webb suffered a knee injury and missed the remainder of the season, bringing his time with the Ospreys to a premature end.[17]

In December 2019, Webb cut short his contract with Toulon to return to the Ospreys in the summer of 2020.[18] Webb had been due to see out the remainder of the season with Toulon, but the club's owner accused Webb of having shown a "dishonest attitude" to get himself released from his contract, and stated that Webb would not play for Toulon again.[19] Now without a club, he signed a short-term deal with Bath in February 2020 for the remainder of the 2019–20 Premiership Rugby season.[20] He made his debut on 1 March 2020, in a 19–13 home defeat to Bristol Bears, the first time Bath had lost at home to Bristol in 14 years.[21]

In July 2023, Webb returned for a second spell in France, signing for second-tier side Biarritz.[22] A week after joining and after playing one game in which he scored a try, Webb was tested by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) during a training session; the sample returned a positive result for growth hormone, and Webb was issued with a provisional suspension.[23][24] In July 2024, the AFLD issued Webb with a four-year global ban from rugby union.[25] Webb stated that he would appeal the sanction.[1]

International career

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Webb played for Wales U18 in the 2005–06 U18 Home Four Nations Championship and was called up as a member of the 2006–07 Wales U19 set-up for the IRB U19 World Championships. He was called up to the Wales U20 squad for the 2007–2008 RBS U20 Six Nations Championships where he played three times and scored a try, and was also in the squad for the 2008 IRB Junior World Championships.

Webb was a member of the Wales squad that won the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai and remained part of the national rugby sevens set-up in 2010.[26]

In January 2012, he was called into Wales' 35-man senior squad for the training camp in Poland prior to the 2012 Six Nations Championship.[27] He made his full international debut for Wales against Italy on 10 March 2012 as a second-half replacement.

On 6 September 2015, Webb was injured during a warm up match against Italy and was ruled out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He was replaced by Gareth Davies.

Recalled during the 2016 Six Nations Championship after a remarkable recovery, producing man-of-the-match performances for the Ospreys, Webb replaced Davies at scrum-half during the match against England. He was then back at first-choice for his position, starting for Wales' last match of the tournament against Italy.

Webb began the 2016 Autumn internationals as Wales' first-choice scrum-half, but suffered a serious ankle injury during the second half of their opening match against Australia, and following surgery was ruled out for 12 weeks, with his return predicted for just prior to the 2017 Six Nations Championship.[28]

Webb was selected by the British & Irish Lions for their 2017 tour to New Zealand.[29] He appeared as a replacement in two of the test matches on the tour, and scored one try.[30]

Following Webb's decision to leave the Ospreys for Toulon in 2017, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) introduced new regulations governing the selection of players for the national team, whereby players based outside Wales with fewer than 60 caps would no longer be considered for selection, including Webb, who had only 28 caps at the time; however, this met with controversy as Webb agreed to move to Toulon before the rule changes were announced, leading to arguments that they should not apply to him,[31] especially as Toulon claimed the WRU had already agreed terms for Webb's release for international matches during his time there.[32] Webb described the WRU's decision as a "blow",[33] but said he would not reverse his decision despite the change to his selection status.[34] He played in three of Wales' 2017 Autumn internationals, but a knee injury in early 2018 meant he missed the 2018 Six Nations Championship, leaving him unable to add to his 31 caps before leaving for France.[35]

In the lead-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Wales coach Warren Gatland expressed his regret at not being able to select Webb for the tournament,[36] and later said he thought the 60-cap selection threshold was too high.[37] Webb did, however, play a part in the World Cup warm-up matches, appearing for the Barbarians in their 51–43 loss to England.[38]

With Webb's return to the Ospreys agreed in December 2019, he was again made available for selection for Wales duty.[39] He was named in the squad for the 2020 Six Nations Championship on 15 January 2020,[40] and made appearances off the bench in the opening match against Italy[41] and the penultimate match against England,[42] before starting against Scotland on the final weekend, his first start since November 2017.[43]

Webb found himself out of Wales reckoning under Wayne Pivac, but was recalled by returning head coach Warren Gatland for the 2023 Six Nations squad.[44]

Webb announced his retirement from international rugby on 31 May 2023.[45]

International tries

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Wales

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Try Opponent Location Venue Competition Date Result
1  Australia Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2014 Autumn Internationals 8 November 2014 Loss
2  New Zealand Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2014 Autumn Internationals 22 November 2014 Loss
3  England Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2015 Six Nations 6 February 2015 Loss
4  Scotland Edinburgh, Scotland Murrayfield 2015 Six Nations 6 February 2015 Win
5  Italy Rome, Italy Stadio Olimpico 2015 Six Nations 21 March 2015 Win
6  Italy Cardiff, Wales Millennium Stadium 2016 Six Nations 16 March 2016 Win
7  New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand Eden Park 2016 Tour of New Zealand 11 June 2016 Loss
8  Georgia Llanelli, Wales Parc y Scarlets Autumn Nations Cup 21 November 2020 Win

British & Irish Lions

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Try Opponent Location Venue Competition Date Result
1  New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand Eden Park 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand 24 June 2017 Loss

Personal life

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Webb and his family live in Dubai.[46]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rhys Webb (born 9 December 1988) is a rugby union player known for his role as a scrum-half, who earned 40 caps for the national team between 2012 and 2023 and two caps for the during their 2017 tour of . Standing at 1.83 meters and weighing 91 kilograms, Webb debuted professionally with the Ospreys in 2007 after coming through the ranks at Athletic RFC, going on to make over 200 appearances for the Welsh region across two spells (2007–2018 and 2019–2023). Webb's international breakthrough came during the 2012 Six Nations, where he made his debut against , and he became a key figure in the team's backline, contributing to successes including the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam and multiple tournament titles. His dynamic playing style, characterized by sharp passing and defensive solidity, earned him recognition as one of Europe's top scrum-halves, scoring multiple tries in matches. Abroad, Webb joined in 2018 on a three-year deal but returned early to the Ospreys in 2019; he briefly signed with in 2020 before moving to in 2023, where he scored on debut in his only appearance for the club. In July 2023, Webb tested positive for human growth hormone following an unannounced doping control, leading to a provisional suspension from 21 August 2023; the French Anti-Doping Agency confirmed a four-year ban in July 2024, effectively halting his playing career until at least August 2027, when he will be 38. In June 2025, Webb was diagnosed with stage four , necessitating a . Webb retired from international rugby in May 2023, citing Welsh rugby's financial challenges and his move abroad, which exceeded the Welsh Rugby Union's 60-cap selection threshold for overseas-based players. As of November 2025, while appealing the ban, he has transitioned to a role with RUCK in , focusing on identifying and promoting rugby talent in the .

Early life

Birth and education

Rhys Webb was born on 9 December 1988 in , . As a product of the tight-knit local Welsh community in , he grew up surrounded by a supportive network, including his parents Angela and Paul, which instilled in him the values of resilience and community ties common to the area. Webb received his secondary education at Brynteg in , a state-funded serving the local . During his time there, he engaged in typical school activities that fostered and social connections within the area.

Youth rugby career

Rhys Webb began his rugby journey at a young age with Athletic RFC, progressing through their junior ranks from under-8s to under-16s. As a promising scrum-half from the area, he honed his skills in local youth competitions, building a strong foundation in the sport within his hometown club. By 2005, at the age of 16, Webb had caught the attention of regional talent scouts and joined the Ospreys system, where he was selected for their under-18 squad. His rapid development continued into the under-18 level, where he contributed to the team's success by winning the Regional Championship trophy during the 2005-2006 season. This period marked his transition from local junior play to a structured environment, positioning him as an emerging talent in Welsh rugby.

Professional club career

Ospreys academy and debut

Webb joined the Ospreys academy system in 2007, signing his first development contract ahead of the 2007-2008 season after progressing through the region's age-grade ranks, building on his preparatory youth experience with Athletic. He made his professional debut for the Ospreys on 29 March 2008, coming off the bench as a scrum-half in a 32-7 Magners League win against at the Liberty Stadium. In his initial seasons from 2007 to 2009, Webb had limited first-team opportunities, appearing in a handful of matches while adapting to the demands of the professional scrum-half role, including box-kicking and quick service under pressure.

First stint at Ospreys

Webb solidified his position as a pivotal scrum-half for the Ospreys during his established tenure from 2009 to 2018, emerging as one of the region's most dynamic players known for his explosive pace, sharp passing, and defensive tenacity. Building on his debut in 2007, he transitioned into a regular starter, contributing significantly to the team's competitive edge in domestic competitions. Over his overall Ospreys career from 2007 to 2018, Webb amassed 154 appearances and scored 39 tries, accumulating 195 points, with the majority of his impact occurring during this peak period where he averaged over 15 games per season and became renowned for breaking from the base of the scrum to initiate attacks. A highlight of Webb's early contributions came in the 2009-10 season, when he featured in the Ospreys' successful Magners League campaign, making appearances as part of the squad that clinched the title with a 17-12 over in the inaugural at the on May 29, 2010. His involvement, though limited to two appearances that year, underscored his growing role in high-stakes matches, helping the Ospreys secure their third league championship and demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in a backline featuring stars like and . In March 2015, Webb signed a National Dual Contract with the (WRU) and Ospreys, a 60% WRU-funded agreement that committed him to the region while preserving his eligibility for international selection and stabilizing his professional future amid speculation about overseas moves. This deal, the eighth such arrangement for a Welsh international at the time, allowed Webb to focus on consistent performances, including leading the Ospreys' scrum-half duties through multiple playoff runs and earning accolades for his try-scoring prowess—such as 13 tries for the Ospreys across all competitions in the 2014-15 season. By 2018, his tenure had cemented him as a fan favorite and a of the Ospreys' identity during a prosperous era for .

Toulon and challenges

In 2017, following a successful tenure at the Ospreys that included multiple Pro14 titles and international recognition, Rhys Webb signed a three-year contract with Top 14 club , effective from the 2018-19 season. The move represented a high-profile transition to one of Europe's most prestigious clubs, known for its successes. During his time at , Webb made 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 points primarily through four tries. However, his playing time was significantly limited, with only 16 starts in the Top 14 and sporadic involvement in European fixtures, as he struggled to secure a consistent role in the squad. This restriction stemmed from coaching conflicts under Patrice Collazo, who publicly criticized Webb's commitment and loyalty amid the player's desire to return to . The tensions escalated in the -20 season, leading to Webb's isolation from the main training group, where he was forced to work out alone for several months. This fallout resulted in the early termination of his in 2019, allowing him to depart a year ahead of schedule. Toulon officials, including owner Bernard Lemaître, accused Webb of dishonesty in negotiations, marking a contentious end to his stint in .

Return to Wales and Biarritz

Following difficulties at , where his contract was mutually terminated early, Rhys Webb sought opportunities back in the UK. In February 2020, Webb joined Bath on a short-term deal for the remainder of the 2019-20 Premiership season, making his debut as a substitute in a 19-13 defeat to on March 1, 2020, for a total of one appearance without scoring points. Webb returned to the Ospreys in the 2020-21 season on a two-year contract, later extended, where he resumed his role as a key scrum-half in the and European competitions. Over three seasons from 2020 to 2023, he made 44 appearances and contributed 64 points, primarily through 12 tries that highlighted his speed and game-breaking ability in tight contests. In July 2023, Webb signed with French side , aiming to continue his career abroad. He made one appearance, scoring a try on debut in a 35-18 win over Colomiers on August 17, 2023, for 5 points, before a provisional suspension for a positive doping test ended his involvement from 21 August 2023. Across his professional club career, Webb amassed over 220 appearances and more than 280 points, with standout contributions at the Ospreys spanning two stints that underscored his longevity and impact as a dynamic .

International career

Youth internationals and sevens

Webb represented at under-19 level as part of the 2006–07 squad for the IRB Under-19 . He made seven appearances for the U19 team during this period. At under-20 level, Webb was called up to the squad for the 2007–08 RBS Under-20 , where he featured prominently. He made seven appearances overall for the U20 team, scoring five points through one try, including a decisive late try in a 20–16 victory over that secured second place in the . His time in the Ospreys academy had prepared him for these youth international call-ups. Webb also featured in the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship, contributing to ' campaign that reached the semi-finals. Webb transitioned to sevens rugby, joining the squad for the 2009 in , where he played a key role in their surprise victory as 80–1 outsiders. As a scrum-half, he remained part of the national setup into 2010, helping to build his reputation in . His experiences in internationals and honed Webb's skills as a scrum-half, emphasizing speed, decision-making, and adaptability in fast-paced environments that translated to his later professional career.

Wales national team

Rhys Webb made his senior international debut for on 10 March 2012, coming off the bench in a 28–28 draw against during the under head coach . His early involvement highlighted his transition from rugby success, which had positioned him as a promising candidate for the senior squad. Webb accumulated 40 caps for between 2012 and 2023, scoring 7 tries worth 35 points, establishing himself as a dynamic scrum-half known for his sniping runs and quick service. Under Gatland's tenure, which spanned much of his career, Webb became a key figure in ' backline, starting in pivotal matches such as the 2015 Six Nations where he scored tries against and , contributing to ' successful title defense. He also featured prominently in the 2016 Autumn Nations Series, starting as the first-choice scrum-half in victories over and , showcasing his tactical acumen in high-stakes internationals. A significant setback occurred ahead of the when Webb sustained a foot injury during a warm-up match against on 5 2015, ruling him out of the tournament and requiring surgery that sidelined him for up to eight months. For the , Webb was unavailable for selection due to the Welsh Rugby Union's 60-cap eligibility rule, introduced in 2017, which barred players with fewer than 60 caps from overseas clubs like his then-team . Webb's international career saw a brief resurgence in 2023 following Gatland's return as head coach, where he earned his final caps in the Six Nations, including a man-of-the-match performance against on 11 March 2023, demonstrating his enduring leadership and experience.

British & Irish Lions

Rhys Webb was selected for the squad for their 2017 tour of , announced on 19 April 2017, as one of three scrum-halves alongside and , based on his strong performances for in the 2017 Six Nations and for the Ospreys in the PRO12. The 37-player squad, coached by , aimed to challenge the All Blacks in a three-Test series, with Webb's speed, tenacity, and sniping ability highlighted as key assets for the high-intensity tour. Webb earned two Test caps during the tour, both as a replacement for Murray. He came on in the 72nd minute of the opening Test at on 24 June 2017, where won 30–15, and scored a consolation try in the 81st minute by snaking through from close range, his first and only try for the Lions worth 5 points. He also substituted in the third Test at on 8 July 2017, entering in the 62nd minute during the Lions' 15–15 draw with the All Blacks, helping to maintain defensive solidity and contribute to the territorial pressure that secured the result. Webb's contributions were part of the Lions' effort in a historic drawn series—the first against since 1971—following a 24–21 victory in the second Test at Westpac Stadium, though he did not feature in that match. Across the tour, he made 19 carries for 98 metres, beat 6 defenders, and achieved 3 clean breaks in non-Test games, starting against the and Highlanders, underscoring his impact as a dynamic reserve option.

Later career and retirement

International retirement

On 31 May 2023, Rhys Webb announced his retirement from international rugby, approximately 100 days before the start of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. This decision made him the third Welsh veteran to step away from Test rugby in the lead-up to the tournament, following Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric. Webb, then aged 34, cited the ongoing uncertainties and difficulties in Welsh rugby, including stalled contract negotiations and a lack of long-term security with his club, as key factors influencing his choice. Additionally, the opportunity to secure a two-year contract with Biarritz in France's Pro D2 league, prioritizing family support and avoiding the risk of injury without a stable deal, played a significant role in his decision to focus on club commitments abroad. Webb expressed no regrets about forgoing a potential appearance, emphasizing that providing for his young family outweighed international ambitions after achieving a recent recall to the squad. His closed a chapter on a career that spanned 40 caps since his 2012 debut, leaving head coach to rely on scrum-halves such as Gareth Davies, , and for the tournament squad.

Doping ban

In July 2023, while playing for in the French second division, Rhys Webb tested positive for (HGH), a banned substance under World Rugby regulations. The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) confirmed the adverse analytical finding from a routine in-competition test, leading to his provisional suspension in August 2023, which barred him from all rugby-related activities pending further investigation. On 10 July 2024, the AFLD imposed a four-year ban on Webb for the anti-doping rule violation, effective from 21 August 2023 until 21 August 2027, prohibiting him from participating in or being involved with any sport under French jurisdiction during that period. The decision followed a disciplinary process that classified the HGH presence as intentional, despite no evidence of prior violations in Webb's career. Webb, through his lawyer Dominique Laplagne, denied any intentional use of doping products, stating that he "has never used any doping product, in particular" and reaffirming his innocence. He lodged an with the French Conseil d’État to challenge the AFLD's ruling, citing concerns over the testing protocol's reliability, including a significant drop in HGH levels between samples. At 35 years old at the time of the ban, the suspension is widely seen as career-ending for his professional playing days, as it extends beyond his likely age of return to elite rugby. As of September 2025, with the appeal ongoing, Webb has transitioned to a role with RUCK in , focusing on identifying and promoting rugby talent in the .

Personal life

Family

Rhys Webb was born in , , which has tied his family closely to Welsh heritage. Webb has been in a long-term relationship with his , Delyth, whom he married in 2021 at in . The couple has three sons: Regan, born around 2011; Jesse, born around 2016; and Remi, born in 2018 in . Webb's family life is centered in , where he and Delyth prioritize a close-knit dynamic with their children, often placing family considerations at the forefront of their decisions.

Relocation and challenges

In 2018, Rhys Webb relocated to , , to join the Top 14 club, with his fiancée Delyth Hewitt and their three young sons initially accompanying him as part of the family move tied to his professional . The family aimed to build a new life in the south of , but challenges soon emerged, exacerbated by overlapping issues at the club that strained the household dynamic. By early 2019, the difficulties in settling proved overwhelming for Delyth and the children—sons (aged 8), Jesse (4), and (1)—leading them to return to , leaving Webb to live alone in . The separation took a significant emotional toll on the family; Webb described frequent tearful goodbyes during visits, with his children crying and struggling to adjust to his absences, while he himself admitted to breaking down, stating, "I'm not ashamed to say I've cried about my family leaving me." He relied on daily calls—up to eight to ten times a day—to stay connected, but the isolation after training sessions left him grappling with and the strain of balancing his rugby commitments with family needs. The personal hardships intensified Webb's resolve to prioritize his family, culminating in Toulon's agreement to release him from the final year of his contract in December 2019 for family reasons, allowing his return to and a reunion with his loved ones in 2020. Amid these transitions and the onset of the , Webb contributed to the national effort by volunteering for night shifts at the Royal Mint, producing approximately 3,500 PPE masks per 12-hour session (8pm to 8am) to support the NHS, motivated in part by his sister's role as a nurse at Hospital in . In 2025, following his retirement from playing, Webb relocated to with his wife and three sons, citing the city's safe, -friendly environment, lifestyle, and weather as key factors; the had visited the for 10 years prior to the move.

References

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