The Ospreys have been handed a boost in the build-up to Friday’s Liberty Stadium derby against the Dragons, after Rhys Webb became the latest player to re-sign a National Dual Contract (NDC).
- Webb becomes the second player to re-sign NDC following his regional and international half-back partner Dan Biggar
- Named 2014/15 Guinness PRO12 Player of the Year after a stunning season for the Ospreys where he scored 12 tries in 15 league matches
- Cemented his place in the Wales team during 2015 until injury ruled him out of the World Cup and has now won 17 caps, with five tries
The 27-year-old becomes the second player to re-sign a long-term NDC following regional and international team-mate Dan Biggar.
Webb, a former Wales U20 International, made his debut for the Ospreys in 2007 having come through the development pathway and has made 122 appearances for the region to date, scoring 25 tries. He made his full international bow in 2012 and has gone onto make 16 appearances for his country (5 tries).
The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, Martyn Phillips, said:
“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.”
Rhys Webb said:
“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.”
Andrew Millward, Rugby General Manager, Ospreys Rugby said:
“It’s excellent to see Rhys becoming the second player to commit his future to playing within Wales for the Ospreys by re-signing a National Dual Contract following on from Dan Biggar earlier this month.
“Rhys is another homegrown player who takes enormous pride in representing his region and, like Dan, has risen in prominence over the last 12 to18 months, meaning their services have been in great demand.
“With them both committing to the Ospreys and Wales this month, we look forward to seeing them continuing alongside each other for region and country for some time yet, which is exactly what NDC’s are all about.”
