WALES and Lions scrum-half Rhys Webb admits it’s a relief to be returning home from France after signing a two-year deal with the Ospreys.

The 31-year-old to Bridgend left the Liberty Stadium in 2018 to join Top 14 giants Toulon but the move hasn’t worked out.

Webb, who became ineligible for Wales as he didn’t have the required 60 caps, was separated from his family and an agreement was reached to release him from the final year of his contract.

That frees him up to return to the Ospreys next season, and also battle with Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies for Test action.

Webb made his Ospreys debut in March, 2008 and racked up 154 appearances, scoring 39 tries.

South Wales Argus:

"It's just great to come back where rugby all started for me," said Webb. "I am really looking forward to the challenge and fighting for the Ospreys jersey again.

"I have loved my time in Toulon but it's a relief to come home to the Ospreys, it's where my family are, where I was brought up, and where rugby all started for me.

"To return to play for my home region again is just really special for me and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to do that again.”

The signing is a boost for an Ospreys side who have endured a nightmare start to the season, hindered by World Cup call-ups and a glut of injuries.

Webb will form a world-class half-back partnership with Gareth Anscombe, who suffered a serious knee injury for Wales after signing from Cardiff Blues, and will be tasked with helping the region’s burgeoning talent.

South Wales Argus:

"I have been away for two years, and I know there have been a lot of changes and that there are a lot of exciting young players coming through and some familiar faces too, I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

"Hopefully, I can pass on my experience to the younger players and I am determined to do as much as I can to help the team.

"As I said at the time, nobody turns down Toulon and I wanted to experience something different.

"I am thankful that they have released me a year early from my contract and I am as excited about returning to the Ospreys as I was at going to France.

"Everybody knows how important my family is to me and being able to return home, especially to the Ospreys is massive for me.

"I just can't wait to pull the jersey on again and to run out in front of my fellow Ospreylians."