Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny announces his retirement from international rugby – confirming he will bow out against the Barbarians at the Principality Stadium next week

• Leigh Halfpenny will bow out of international rugby after playing the Barbarians
• The Wales legend, aged 34, will continue to play club rugby for the Scarlets 
• Warren Gatland said he has been ‘the best defensive full-back in the world’
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

Leigh Halfpenny has announced that he will retire from international rugby following Wales’s match against the Barbarians on November 4. 

The 34-year-old has amassed 101 caps across a 15-year career with his country. 

A Wales legend, Halfpenny is the third-highest points scorer in history for the Dragons with 801, behind Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones. 

He will continue to play club rugby for the Scarlets.  

In a statement posted on X, he wrote: ‘After having time to reflect after the Rugby World Cup campaign, it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from international rugby.

Leigh Halfpenny has announced he will retire from international rugby on November 4

The Wales legend has amassed 101 caps and is their third-highest points scorer of all time

‘The decision hasn’t been easy, but the time feels right for me now and I look forward to running out one last time against the Barbarians next week at home.

‘It’s been such a huge honour and privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and represent my country over the past 15 years. It was a dream as a kid growing up playing for Gorseinon to one day play for Wales and I’ve made the most incredible memories.’ 

Wales were knocked out of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in a 29-17 loss to Argentina in what was Halfpenny’s third World Cup. 

He also made four Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions, notching a Lions record of 49 test points in the 2013 tour and a record 21 in the final game.

He was named as the Player of the Series after managing a total of 114 points and went on to be voted Welsh Sports Personality of the Year. 

He continued: ‘There’s been ups and downs but I will look back on my international career with immense pride, there’s no better feeling running out to a full Principality Stadium wearing the Welsh jersey and singing the national anthem. 

‘I’m going to miss it, but I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and to every single person who has helped me along the way.

Halfpenny also made four Test outings for the British and Irish Lions, with heroic form on the 2013 tour in Australia 

He could not taste World Cup glory but played his part in three editions of the competition  

Halfpenny has been one of the most prominent figure in the Wales set-up 

He has been a stalwart of Welsh rugby and would have reached his century of appearances sooner if not for injuries 

‘It’s been unbelievable to play with such special people over the years and I will cherish the friendships I’ve made. I’m excited about this group of players coming through for Wales and what they can achieve in the future. I’m looking forward to supporting the boys from the stands.

‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the players, coaches and staff I’ve been fortunate to work alongside; to my family and friends who have been with me through all the ups and downs and to all the fans who have supported me throughout.

‘To Jess and the girls, your support and love has meant everything and to be able to have Lily and Nora watch me play for Wales has been one of my proudest moments.

‘Whilst I’ll be moving on from the international game, I’m excited about the next chapter as a player in this game which has given me so much and look forward to sharing details on my club future soon. Diolch.’

He sits seventh on the all-time list for Wales’s appearance-makers. 

His rugby journey started in Gorseinon, where his grandfather would take him for kicking practice. 

From there he went to the academy of Ospreys and he has turned out for Neath, Cardiff RFC, Cardiff Blues, Toulon, and Scarlets during his club career. 

His international retirement follows those of Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric earlier this year. 

Warren Gatland said Halfpenny has been ‘probably the best defensive full-back in the world’

His retirement follows those of Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric earlier this year  

Halfpenny (left) suffered significant knee ligament damage in 2021 but came back like he has done so many times before

Injuries have often been an issue for Halfpenny but he has always come back with dertermination.  

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said: ‘Leigh has had a fantastic career for Wales, firstly on the wing and then at fifteen where he has been brilliant – probably the best defensive full-back in the world and a tremendous goal kicker.

‘He’s had his fair share of injury challenges over the years but has never let that hold him back.

‘If you are talking about role models in professional rugby, I don’t think you could find someone that works harder than Leigh in terms of how he prepares. The analysis, training and recovery he has done time and again has been really impressive, he is the ultimate professional.

‘I’d like to thank Leigh for all he has done for Welsh rugby and wish him all the best for the future, I know his family and friends will be incredibly proud of all he has achieved.

‘I look forward to watching him take to the field at Principality Stadium one final time in a red jersey on 4 November and I hope everyone will join me in celebrating him and Alun Wyn Jones at this match.’

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