Webb’s WRU talks could foil Sarries
SARACENS face an anxious wait to find out if they stand a chance of luring British and Irish Lions scrum-half Rhys Webb to the capital next season.
Webb sees his central contract with Welsh Rugby Union run out at the end of the season and the European Champions have made him an offer.
The Wales ace is also on the wanted list of Toulon, who will make a move if they cannot land Bordeaux’s Yann Lesgourgues.
Lesgourgues, 26, is also out of contract next summer and is locked in talks about a new deal. If he signs Toulon will step up their interest in Webb.
Webb is having talks with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Ospreys about extending his central contract which would spell the end for Sarries’ bid.
The 28-year-old, who has won 28 Welsh caps, knows he would get a bigger payday by moving to either England or France.
But the WRU are confident according to Blindside sources that he will opt to remain in the Principality for next season.
It would be enough to send Saracens back to the drawing board, especially as they have Ben Spencer coming to the end of his contract.
■ FORMER England stars Nick Abendanon and Dave Strettle are both out of contract with Clermont Auvergne at the end of the season.
Abendanon has been playing for the Top 14 side since leaving Bath in 2014.
The full-back, who won two England caps a decade ago, could move back to the Premiership if he does not agree new terms.
The 31-year-old has been touted for a possible call up to Eddie Jones’ squad if he were to return and display his Clermont form domestically.
Strettle, 34, has been playing in France since leaving Saracens in 2015 and is also yet to agree a new contract.
The former Rotherham Titans and Harlequins man will be 35 next summer but is believed to be keen on playing on for another season at least.
