Webb outlines commitment to Toulon after president’s outburst

Rhys Webb has followed Toulon team-mate Julian Savea’s lead in defending himself in the wake of criticism from club president Mourad Boudjellal.

Saturday’s 19-10 defeat away at Agen left big-spending Toulon languishing 11th in the Top 14 table, 14 points adrift of the top six and a place in the play-offs.

Boudjellal took aim at some of his players after the disappointing result, with Savea one of those mentioned in comments made to RMC on Sunday.

The New Zealand wing was seemingly told he was no longer welcome at Toulon, though the player responded on Twitter by saying he would ignore the negativity and continue to honour his contract by training and playing for the team.

As for Webb, Boudjellal said: “His agents are offering him all over Wales, while he still owes us one more year on his contract. Don’t worry, I won’t hold him back.”

Those comments prompted Webb’s representatives to issue a riposte, explaining the trying personal circumstances the British and Irish Lion scrum-half had endured while insisting he had no intention of departing the club.

“The last month or so has been really difficult for Rhys with his family moving back to Wales because one of his sons found it hard to settle out there and adjust to being in a French language school,” said Webb’s agent Derwyn Jones.

“However, Rhys wants to make it clear he hasn’t had any conversations with the club at all about leaving Toulon.

“He has a strong family network which will support his fiancee and children back home in Bridgend. Toulon have openly said he’s one of the most professional players they have come across.

“Rhys’ immediate goal is to help the club start winning again and make the top six in the French league. The club have spoken to me to say they are concerned about how Rhys will cope without his family.

“But Rhys has assured me he’s committed to the club. The club have not indicated to me they are unhappy with Rhys, which is a totally separate conversation. So Rhys remains committed to the team.”

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