Former Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has signed a one-year deal with New Zealand Super Rugby side Crusaders.
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Leigh Halfpenny, a seasoned veteran of international rugby, has amassed over 100 caps for the Welsh national team and boasts a remarkable record of nearly 200 appearances for professional clubs in Europe. His impressive tally of 801 points for Wales places him as the third-highest point scorer in Welsh rugby history.
Halfpenny’s arrival promises to inject maturity and a fresh perspective into our backline, where he will join forces with the likes of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Macca Springer, and Chay Fihaki.
Expressing his excitement, Halfpenny shared, “I’ve always been an avid follower of Super Rugby, and the Crusaders are the team I’ve admired for years. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier rugby clubs, and I can’t wait to meet everyone. Rob Penney and his team have been incredibly welcoming, and I feel deeply honored to be a part of this.”
Reflecting on the signing, Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney described it as a “significant coup” for the team. “Leigh brings a wealth of experience, charisma, and skill to our squad,” Penney remarked. “We’ve been in discussions for some time, and with Leigh wrapping up his international commitments with Wales, he had a strong desire to continue playing at the highest level. His addition brings not only maturity but also a valuable Northern Hemisphere perspective to our backline. We’re eagerly anticipating what he will bring to our camp.”
Leigh Halfpenny’s international career took off in 2008, earning him more than 100 caps for Wales. He has featured in three Rugby World Cups (2011, 2019, and 2023), with Wales reaching the playoffs in all three tournaments he participated in. Additionally, Halfpenny has represented the British & Irish Lions in four tests. Most recently, he made 55 appearances for the Scarlets, one of the four professional teams in Wales.
Having retired from international test rugby on October 25, Halfpenny bid farewell to the Welsh national team in his last game against the Barbarians. In front of a crowd of 53,000, he kicked a perfect five out of five and received a standing ovation when he left the field.
The Crusaders eagerly anticipate Halfpenny’s debut in their jersey, recognizing that his presence will not only add to his own legacy but also contribute to the rich heritage of the team. The 2024 season promises to be an exciting chapter for the Crusaders.
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