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Wales star Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement
By Josh Raisey
Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has confirmed that he will retire from international rugby after playing against the Barbarians next week at the Principality Stadium .
The 34-year-old made his Test debut in 2008 and has gone on to become Wales' third highest point scorer of all-time across his 101 caps. The Scarlets star also earned four caps for the British & Irish Lions in three tours between 2009 and 2017, being named the player of the series for the victorious 2013 tour in Australia.
He shared a statement on social media on Wednesday, where he also said that there will be imminent news on his club future, hinting that a possible move could be on the cards.
"After having time to reflect after the Rugby World Cup camapign," he wrote on X. "It's with a heavy heart that I've decided that it's time for me to step away from international rugby.
"The decicion hasn't been easy, but the time feels right for me now and I look forward to running out one last time against the Barbarians next week at home.
"It's been such a huge honour and privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and represent my country over the past 15 years.
"It was a dream as a kid growing up playing for Gorseinon to one day play for Wales and I've made the most incredible memories.
"There's been ups and downs but I will look back on my international career with immense pride, there's no better feeling running out to a full Principlaity Stadium wearing the Welsh jersey and singing the national anthem.
"I'm going to miss it, but I will be forever grateful for the oppoortunities I've had and to every single person who has helped be along the way. It's been unelievable to play with such special people over the years and I will cherish the friendships I've made.
"I'm excited about this group of players coming through for Wales and what they can achieve in the future. I'm looking forward to supporting the boys form the stands.
"I'd like to say a huge thank you to all of the players, coaches and staff I've been fortunate to work alongside; to my family and friends who have been with me through all the ups and downs and ot all the fans who have supported me throughout.
"Whilst I'll be moving on from the international game, I'm excited about the next chapter as a player in this game which has given me so much and look forward to sharing details of my club future soon. Diolch."
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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