Wales and British and Irish Lions great Leigh Halfpenny retires from rugby – UK Times

Wales great Leigh Halfpenny will retire at the end of the season to bring down the curtain on a professional career spanning almost two decades.

The 37-year-old won the last of his 101 caps in 2023 and also made four Test appearances across three British and Irish Lions tours, winning player of the series in the 2013 triumph over Australia.

Halfpenny’s senior club career began at Cardiff in 2008 and will end at Arms Park as well after he rejoined the Welsh region last summer, having also played for Toulon, Scarlets and Harlequins, among others.

“Rugby has given me some of the best moments of my life and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have played the game I love for the last 18 years,” Halfpenny said.

“It’s always going to be difficult to walk away, but the time feels right as I reflect back on a career I’m grateful for.

“To play for my country was always a childhood dream. To wear the Wales jersey meant everything and is something I still struggle to put into words. These remain some of the proudest moments of my life.

“To represent the Lions was one of the pinnacles of my career. Wearing that jersey was an incredible honour and to play alongside, and against, some of the best in the game, making lifelong friendships is an experience I’ll cherish forever.”