Leigh Halfpenny: Wales great to retire from international rugby

Leigh Halfpenny has scored 801 points for Wales, putting him third on the men’s all-time list

Leigh Halfpenny has announced he will retire from international rugby.

The 34-year-old back will make Wales’ game against the Barbarians on 4 November his final Test, but will continue to play club rugby.

Halfpenny has won 101 caps for Wales, scoring 801 points, and played four Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from international rugby,” Halfpenny said.

“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.”

Halfpenny, primarily a full-back or wing, made his debut aged 19 in the first game of the autumn series against South Africa in November 2008.

His four Test appearances for the Lions were won across the 2013 and 2017 tours, although he was also selected in 2009 before injury cut short his involvement.

Halfpenny was named player of the series in 2013, helping the tourists to a 2-1 series victory in Australia from full-back.

He bettered Neil Jenkins’ Lions record for the most points in a Test series with 49 and also broke the record for the most points in a Lions Test as he scored 21 in the third and final match.

His metronomic kicking places Halfpenny third on the all-time list of men’s points scorers for Wales with 801, behind Neil Jenkins (1,049) and Stephen Jones (917).

In a career that has often stalled due to injury – missing the 2015 World Cup and spending 19 months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury suffered in his 100th international appearance against Canada in Cardiff in 2021 – Halfpenny’s impressive Test caps and points tally could have been greater still.

“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,” Halfpenny added.

“There have 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.

“It’s been unbelievable to play with such special people over the years and I will cherish the friendships I’ve made.”

Leigh Halfpenny’s international tally would have been even more but for a string of injuries

Halfpenny started playing rugby for Gorseinon, where his ex-RAF grandfather Malcolm took him from junior school for kicking practice, and he was originally a member of the Ospreys academy before he signed for Cardiff Blues ahead of the 2007-08 season – winning the 2009 Anglo-Welsh Cup and 2010 European Challenge Cup with the capital side.

He signed for Toulon in 2014, winning the 2015 European Champions Cup with the French side before returning to Wales with Scarlets in 2017.

Halfpenny played in his third World Cup in the 2023 tournament, kicking his final Wales points – three conversions as they beat Portugal 28-8 – to help Wales reach the quarter-finals.

He was previously selected for the 2011 and 2019 tournaments.

“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,” he said.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of 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 watching 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.”

‘Best defensive full-back in the world’

Halfpenny has been a key selection for Warren Gatland, both in his two spells in charge of Wales and as Lions head coach.

“Leigh has had a fantastic career for Wales, firstly on the wing and then at 15 where he has been brilliant – probably the best defensive full-back in the world and a tremendous goal kicker,” Gatland said.

“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.”