Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has brought down the curtain on an 18-year career that delivered 101 Test caps.
The 37-year-old, who last wore the red jersey in 2023, leaves the game as one of Welsh rugby’s most decorated players and a Lions legend after being crowned Player of the Series in the 2013 triumph over Australia.
Halfpenny also toured with the Lions in 2009 and 2017, earning four Test caps across three tours.
“It’s always going to be difficult to walk away from a game that’s been part of my life for so long but when you know, you know, and I know the time is right for me and my family,” Halfpenny said on social media.
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The prolific goal-kicker enjoyed two spells at Cardiff either side of stints with Toulon, the Scarlets, Crusaders and Harlequins, and will finish his career where it began – at the Arms Park.
“Putting on the Welsh jersey meant absolutely everything to me. To have been able to do for 101 times is an absolute honour and privileged,” he said.
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Cardiff president Gareth Edwards paid tribute to one of the game’s greats.
“He is someone I have admired, respected and enjoying watching over the years, and even more so as a player from Cardiff,” Edwards said.
“Off the pitch, his personality also makes him such a likeable young man. He is so humble and always has time for people, even in the chaos sometimes brought by his stature in the game.”
Photo: Phil Noble/Reuters
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