Leigh Halfpenny: Wales coach Warren Gatland backs southern hemisphere move for full-back
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Leigh Halfpenny has scored 801 points in 101 international appearances for Wales
Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes Leigh Halfpenny will benefit from a southern hemisphere move as his Crusaders deal draws closer.
Halfpenny, 34, is retiring from international rugby, but will continue his club career and is line for a move to New Zealand to link up with the Super Rugby champions.
"Hopefully he has got a big future ahead of him," said Gatland.
"It is an exciting challenge that he has been offered."
After announcing his international retirement last month, Halfpenny says his club future will be officially settled next week. It will be a one-year deal and is set to involve a coaching role.
Former Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says Halfpenny would be a good match for his old side.
Nicknamed 'Razor', Robertson played 23 Tests as a back-row forward and guided the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby titles after taking over the South Island team in 2017.
Scott Robertson has been appointed New Zealand coach on a four-year deal
New All Blacks coach Robertson is leading the Barbarians in Cardiff against Wales on Saturday. He has taken over from Ian Foster as New Zealand head coach after this year's World Cup where they lost in the final to South Africa.
Gatland did not directly name the Crusaders with the official deal for Halfpenny yet to be announced.
The Wales coach believes a player-coach opportunity could help Halfpenny emulate the achievements of his mentor and kicking coach Neil Jenkins.
"He spoke to me a number of weeks ago about where he was going to go and and I just said that it would be brilliant for him in terms of what he wants to do next and his CV," said Gatland.
"He has played in France and won championships there, having been successful for Wales, and having a chance to go to the southern hemisphere as well.
"Maybe after that experience, he would come back and do some kicking and some skill work and maybe following a Neil Jenkins path in terms of getting into the coaching aspect.
"I think with that sort of CV and experience, he will be brilliant at that."
Halfpenny will make his final appearance for Wales at Principality Stadium against the Barbarians in the uncapped fixture this weekend.
Gatland gave Halfpenny his first Wales cap in November 2008.
"He's just been an unbelievable servant," said Gatland.
"A lot of people have spoken about what an incredible professional he is in terms of the way he trains and prepares, and his professionalism.
"I can't speak more highly of him in terms of not just as a rugby player, but as a person.
"He's been one of those people who have set incredible standards and is a great example for younger players coming through.
"He is not the biggest man in the world, but he has always given 100% for that jersey and he is a proud Welshman.
"I have been very fortunate to be a big part of his career, in terms of selecting him for his first cap and to be involved in the last time he plays for Wales."