Common sense.

Rhys Webb could be back in a Wales jersey next year after head coach Warren Gatland admitted he hopes ‘common sense’ would prevail ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The talented scrumhalf is currently ineligible for national selection, having not reached the quota of 60 Test caps (Webb has 31 caps) before leaving Ospreys over the summer to join French giants Toulon.

But Webb signed a deal with the Top 14 side before the new selection policy was revealed, and Gatland feels sorry for him.

“I feel very sorry for Rhys,” Gatland told UK media.

“I would love the opportunity to be able to pick him but the rules say I can’t. I would like to think that, if we have injuries at scrum-half, common sense will prevail.”

Gatland said Wales were being heavily impacted by the absence of a world class operator like Webb.

“The pleasing thing is that we meet once a month, the Rugby Management Board, which is the four head coaches [of the regions],” he said.

“I think they understand; if you talk to them they know what the situation is.

“I don’t think that anyone wants to see a team hampered by not being able to pick the best player.”