A joke.

Ospreys scrumhalf Rhys Webb has branded the entire ordeal surrounding his Welsh exclusion ‘a joke.’

Webb will not be considered for national selection next year after the WRU changed its selection policy, just days after it was announced he would be moving to Toulon at the end of the season.

In an interview with BBC Sport Wales, Webb says he made the decision to join the French giants based on the wildcard system, but has reiterated he will be honouring the terms of his deal with Toulon.

“I won’t be doing that (opting out of Toulon deal). My future lies in Toulon,” he said.

I made my mind up on the basis that the policy was the wildcard system. No-one had mentioned it was going to change,”

“I signed for Toulon on the basis if I was playing well I could still be considered. It was still such a tough decision. No-one had told me (about the policy change). Not even the Ospreys had mentioned it when I went to see them.”

“He (Warren Gatland) explained there could be a new system in place. He didn’t say there was or there is, just talks about it potentially happening.

“I probably would have liked someone to come and explain to me how I’d been captured. It’s baffling. I’m very disappointed with Welsh rugby right now.”

In terms of the offer he was made by the WRU, Webb feels they undervalued him.

 “I listened to the offer from the WRU and I didn’t feel they were valuing me with the right offer. I felt I was being devalued.

“The Toulon offer was one I couldn’t turn down. It was a dream come true to play for a club like that. Their history in European rugby speaks for itself.

“These chances don’t come round often.”

When asked would he have signed for Toulon if he know the policy was changing, Webb replied:

“I just know playing for Wales is why you play the game,” he said.

“Being picked for Wales is still a dream now. To know that won’t be happening again is hurtful, it’s genuinely just upsetting.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to get over it.

“It’s a joke. I’m disappointed. Representing your country means so much to me and being told I won’t be able to play for them is heartbreaking.”

[Via WalesOnline]