Wales star Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement
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."
Latest Comments
They also use a far more consistent scale.
Rugby pass seem to have a different scale for each player based on the authors expectations or how much he likes them.
Can't fathom how Moodie and Reece both were a 3.
Go to commentsYes for sure, thanks for sharing. I fully understand that both parties are better off, no one needs to lose, neither competition suffers, in fact both can be better as a result.
Too many true rugby fans (and analysts) don't understand that.
I wouldn't imagine there is a date aye. It was a long decline rugby in SA and Australia was going through, and was so bad it even effected NZ, caused them to argue to can a couple of teams. The nation of SA probably grew into it? I know I watch more of the NH now specifically because of the SR teams playing there. I actually had to mention to Nick Bishop (because of his stubborn perspective) the other day that I've never been a fan of Super Rugby, I don't think they chose the right way to go about professionalism back in 1995. Unfortunately, NZR was stuck between a rock and a hard place, because it had SA's and Australians that ran their unions by States, so we had to separate into "two or three" teams as a result. Our game is in the kak now because of it, they want to kill off the lifeblood of our National Provincial Championship. But now we might see a way out of it, so it's all good.
Go to comments