Leigh Halfpenny: Retiring Wales back set to continue club career for a 'couple of seasons'

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Leigh Halfpenny: Family helped me through tough times, says Wales great

Leigh Halfpenny hopes to play club rugby for another "couple of seasons" after retiring from international duty.

New Zealand side Crusaders have also shown an interest in his services, while free agent Halfpenny has also been linked with a move to Japan.

The 34-year-old back will make his final Wales appearance in Saturday's uncapped match against the Barbarians at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

"It's all done," the former Scarlet said on his club situation.

"I'm looking for that to be announced next week... I'd like to carry on playing for another couple of seasons if I can.

"I've got a contract for another season and then we'll see what happens after that."

Halfpenny paid special tributes to Wales head coach Warren Gatland and Welsh rugby legend Neil Jenkins for the influence they have had on his career.

And Halfpenny confirmed he is eager to follow Jenkins in going from a playing to a coaching role after he hangs up his boots from club rugby.

"It's [coaching] something I would like to do in the future," he said.

"I still want to carry on playing but I'm sure once I do hang up my boots, I'll be having a chat with him [Jenkins] to pick up any tips.

"He's been incredible for me, I've learnt a huge amount from him, he was one of the best in the world. To learn from him has been pretty special."

Halfpenny won 101 caps for Wales and featured in four Tests for the British and Irish Lions during a glittering career.

His tally of 801 points puts him third on the all-time list of men's points scorers for Wales, behind Jenkins (1,049) and Stephen Jones (917).

Tough times

Image source, Shaun Botterill
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Leigh Halfpenny has scored 801 points for Wales, putting him third on the men's all-time list

Halfpenny's achievements could have been even more impressive had he not had major injuries.

The versatile back missed the 2015 World Cup after rupturing ligaments in his knee.

He was later sidelined for 19 months after sustaining another serious knee injury on his 100th Wales appearance against Canada in 2021.

And the full-back or wing admits he would not have not pulled through the darkest periods of his career without his family.

"My whole family have been amazing in supporting me," he added.

"My partner Jess, she's supported me throughout the ups and downs.

"There's been some tough times with injuries and things, times where you don't know if you're going to get back on the field.

"She kept me strong. I'm not sure I'd have ever come back without her."

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