Rhys Webb will sever his lengthy association with the Ospreys at the end of the season.

The Wales and Lions scrum-half is understood to have opted to join Toulon, ending months of speculation over his future.

His decision to leave Wales is set to be announced imminently.

Saracens have also been chasing Webb’s signature, while there was the possibility he would remain at the Ospreys on a national dual contract funded partly by the Welsh Rugby Union.

But the lure of life on the Cote d’Azur appears to have made up the Bridgend product’s mind. Reports in the French press, appearing in Midi Olympique and elsewhere, have this week been insistent the deal is going ahead and an impeccable source in France has confirmed to WalesOnline the switch will happen.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Webb is 29 in December and his next contract could be the last opportunity for him to maximise his earning potential.

It would also allow him to experience a different culture and be part of a squad bristling with top-class talent, with Ma’a Nonu, Guilhem Guirado, JP Pietersen, Malakai Fekitoa, Bryan Habana, Francois Trinh-Duc, Facundo Isa, Luke McAlister and Mamuka Gorgodze all on the French club’s roster.

Webb will slot into a scrum-half pool that contains Sebastien Tillous-Borde, Eric Escande and Anthony Meric.

The 30-cap Welshman made his senior Ospreys bow in 2007 and has been with the region for 11 seasons, rising to prominence after serving a long apprenticeship under the likes of Justin Marshall, Mike Phillips and Kahn Fotuali’i.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Webb learned extensively from them all to become one of the No. 9s in European rugby, renowned for his ability to trouble defences. Three seasons ago, he scored an extraordinary 19 tries from 27 games for the Ospreys and Wales, with the Welsh Rugby Writers Association rewarding him for his efforts by naming him as their player of the year.

But now he is set to depart the regional scene.

His exit could make life more challenging for Warren Gatland as he attempts to operate within the confines of the Welsh Rugby Union’s senior player selection policy.

Next season, Wales’ head coach will be allowed to pick just four exiled players who are captured by the rule, and Dan Biggar, Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau, George North, Jamie Roberts and Owen Williams are among those who already fall into that category.

Assuming the WRU have made him an offer to stay in Wales, Webb will join them.

But few will begrudge a player who has given Welsh rugby such fine service over a decade the chance to fully cash in on his talent.