Warren Gatland's World Cup plans in tatters after Rhys Webb becomes latest Wales star to retire... with scrum-half, 34, set to move abroad after leaving Welsh region Ospreys

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Warren Gatland’s World Cup planning with Wales is descending into chaos after Rhys Webb joined Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric in retiring from international rugby.

With a little over three months to go until the global showpiece in France, Wales head coach Gatland has now lost three of his most experienced players.

Lock great Jones and flanker Tipuric caused a huge shock when sensationally quitting the Test arena earlier this month and now scrum-half Webb has followed suit.

MailSport reported that the chaos in Welsh rugby contributed to Jones’ and Tipuric’s decisions and the same is true of Webb.

Announcing his retirement on social media, he confirmed he will be leaving Welsh region Ospreys for a move abroad amid ongoing contractual uncertainty in his homeland.

Rhys Webb has become the latest Wales player to announce his retirement from Test rugby

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has now lost three of his most experienced players

‘Having the opportunity to play for Wales again recently has been a huge honour and I am proud to have been named as part of the World Cup training squad,’ Webb said.

‘However, whilst I would have relished the chance to end my career playing for a Welsh region, the present uncertainty and difficulties in Welsh rugby meant there was little opportunity for a contract that offered security for the coming years as I see out my professional career.

‘As such, when an opportunity to play abroad arose during the off season, enabling me to provide greater career security for myself and my family, I decided to accept the offer.

‘I feel that after achieving my goal of returning to the Wales set-up, it is the right time now for me to step away from international rugby and just enjoy my last few years as a professional rugby player.

‘I'd like to thank the Ospreys for continuing to believe in me, even when my omission from the Welsh squad sometimes had me doubting my own ability and Warren, for giving me a chance to pull the famous red jersey on once again.’

Webb, 34, made his first return to the Wales shirt since 2021 in this year’s Six Nations.

He spoke passionately about how much being back in the international squad meant to him and his family.

In a tough campaign for Gatland’s squad, one highlight for Wales was their win over Italy in Rome – a game in which Webb excelled and was named player of the match.

It makes his decision to prioritise his club career abroad and turn his back on Wales all the more surprising yet it is also a damning indictment of the current state of the country’s game.

Alun Wyn Jones announced his retirement from the international game earlier this month

Justin Tipuric also decided to step away just four months before the World Cup begins

The season just ended has been the most tumultuous in Welsh rugby history – one dominated by off-field chaos which continues to have a far-reaching effect.

Webb’s next destination is yet to be officially confirmed but he has been strongly linked with French side Biarritz as well as other clubs in France, Japan and the USA.

What is certain is that he won’t play at the World Cup in what is another big blow to Gatland.

Barring injury, Tomos Williams is now close to certain to start the tournament as Wales’ No 1 scrum-half with Kieran Hardy and Gareth Davies other options in that position.