- Leigh Halfpenny mentioned he was ‘excited to get going’ after making the shock transfer
- It is going to be the Welsh legend’s first stint within the Premiership throughout his profession
After membership rugby stints in his homeland of Wales, France and New Zealand, the Gallagher Premiership and Harlequins is the newest and maybe ultimate cease for famous person full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
The 35-year-old’s becoming a member of of the London outfit got here as a giant shock when it was introduced on Wednesday however is a shrewd transfer for a aspect that missed out on final season’s league play-offs.
Halfpenny may be on the tail finish of his profession, however his large expertise will likely be invaluable to the following technology of Harlequins gamers whereas his goalkicking stays as dependable as ever.
Now retired from worldwide rugby after successful 101 caps and scoring 801 factors for Wales, Halfpenny has signed for Harlequins after lately representing New Zealand outfit Crusaders in Tremendous Rugby Pacific. He has additionally performed for Cardiff, Toulon and Scarlets in a glittering profession.
Halfpenny mentioned: ‘I am excited to hitch Quins and I am grateful for the chance to proceed my profession with such an iconic membership. I’ve all the time admired the Premiership and I am eager to seize this chance with each fingers and contribute to the Quins DNA.
Leigh Halfpenny has made the shock transfer to Harlequins, his first Premiership aspect
The now 35-year-old turned a terrific of European rugby and was capped 101 instances by Wales
‘I am wanting ahead to getting caught in and working out in entrance of a packed Stoop.’
After making his Wales debut in 2008, Halfpenny went on to turn out to be a terrific of European rugby, taking part in 101 instances for his nation and successful Six Nations Grand Slams in 2012 and 2019 in addition to a title in 2013. He performed in three World Cups and likewise starred on the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, being named participant of the sequence in a 2-1 Check win.
Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson mentioned: ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Leigh to Quins.
‘His expertise speaks for itself and he’ll carry loads of management, experience and excessive requirements to our squad, serving to mentor our gifted secure of again three gamers alongside bringing the advantage of his monumental expertise to the broader squad. He is an unbelievable athlete, extremely skilful, and adaptive throughout a number of positions.
‘We’re assured he’ll make a powerful affect at Quins this season.’
Halfpenny was joined as a Harlequins participant by his former Wales team-mate Wyn Jones on Wednesday. The loosehead, who has 48 Check caps for his nation and one cap for the Lions, has joined with fast impact and can present damage cowl within the front-row for the 2024/25 season.
The 32-year-old has performed his complete membership profession up to now along with his hometown membership Scarlets.
Halfpenny was joined at Harlequins by his former Wales team-mate Wyn Jones on Wednesday
‘I’m delighted to hitch Quins and may’t wait to check myself within the Premiership and work alongside an thrilling group of gamers,’ Jones mentioned.
‘I’ve heard nice issues in regards to the membership and the supporters and I’m excited to work with (Harlequins scrum coach) Adam Jones to enhance my recreation and assist Quins obtain our goals this season.’
Wilson added: ‘We’re excited to have Wyn at Quins. He’s an skilled and hard-working participant who provides vital cowl to our entrance row. He’s a strong scrummager and robust ball provider who’ll turn out to be an integral a part of our pack this season.’
Halfpenny and Jones will be a part of their fellow Welsh internationals Dillon Lewis and Jarrod Evans as Harlequins gamers for subsequent season alongside the likes of England stars Marcus Smith and Joe Marler.
