British & Irish Lions and Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb has revealed he didn’t know that joining Toulon would rule him out of playing for his country.
Reacting to the bombshell announcement, Webb said: “I am very disappointed at the news because I love playing for Wales. It means a huge amount to me.
“I didn’t know the full implications when I agreed to join Toulon because the change in the selection policy came out after I signed.
“I have given ten years service to the Ospreys and Welsh rugby and have picked up injuries along the way. I would have hoped that would have been taken into consideration.
“I still very much want to play for Wales this season and hope I can gain selection for the autumn international squad.”
Gatland in a press conference suggested it was still possible for the 28-year-old to extract himself from his Toulon deal.
“Rhys can still get out of the contract. He’s only signed a letter of agreement,” he said.