Toulon to ditch Leigh Halfpenny in shock move - reports

French media reports today claim that Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny will not be offered a new contract at Toulon.

The French galácticos team suffered a narrow loss to ASM Clermont Auvergne in the final of the Top14, with some speculating that Halfpenny's metronomic boot could have been difference in the scoreline. Toulon's 21-year-old fly-half Anthony Belleau hit the woodwork twice.

Halfpenny however ditched Toulon in favour of the Lions series in New Zealand.

Var-martin reported today that the Welsh fullback will not be offered a new contract which had been reported to be worth in the region of €750,000 per year.

Leigh Halfpenny and Toulon's eccentric owner Mourad Boudjellal have had an at times a strained relationship, with the latter suggesting the Halfpenny should be docked wages due to the length of time it took for him to recover from a shoulder injury which he brought into the club when he signed.

The reports come fresh on the heels of news that Japan's Ayumu Goromaru will return to Japanese Top League side Yamaha Jubilo after a lack lustre stint at the club.