Richard Hibbard wants flexibility on Wales’ 60-cap rule

David Skippers

Dragons hooker Richard Hibbard has called for greater flexibility on Wales’ 60-cap rule saying each case should be judged individually.

In October 2017, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) introduced a selection policy which stated players will not be chosen to play for their country if they had fewer than 60 caps and opted to play for a club outside Wales.

Experienced scrum-half Rhys Webb became a major casualty of the WRU’s ruling when he joined Top 14 giants Toulon in 2017.

“I don’t think it should be as definitive as 60 caps,” Hibbard told the BBC’s Scrum V podcast.

“Rhys Webb played over 100 times for the Ospreys. They should look at things on an individual basis and consider exceptions to the rules.”

Wasps back-row Thomas Young is currently affected by the ruling. The 28-year-old has played in three Tests for Wales after making his debut against Italy in the Six Nations last year.

Young is ineligible for international selection after none of Wales’ four regions offered him a deal and he subsequently signed a contract extension with Wasps.

Hibbard, who has represented Wales on 38 occasions and played for Gloucester before the law was introduced, feels players gain invaluable experience when they play outside of Wales.

“Any player just needs to get out of Wales and experience it for a couple of seasons, to make yourself better,” he said.

“It also opens up the bracket below. We’ve only got four regions, there are limited spaces and limited game time for a lot of boys. If Dan Biggar goes, it gives the next 10 an opportunity.”

Dragons