Wales great Leigh Halfpenny announces retirement from international rugby - 'It’s time for me to step away'

Leigh Halfpenny has announced he will retire from Test rugby after Wales’ game against the Barbarians on November 4, bringing the curtain down on an international career that has seen him earn more than 100 caps for his country.

Halfpenny, who will continue to play club rugby for Scarlets, has been a stalwart of Welsh rugby for over a decade, having made his international debut against South Africa in October 2008 at the age of 19.

The 34-year-old is the third-highest points scorer in Welsh rugby history and also appeared for the British and Irish Lions on four occasions across the 2013 and 2017 tours.

“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,” 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 started playing rugby for Gorseinon before signing for Cardiff Blues ahead of the 2007/08 season.

He would go on to win honours at club level across stints with Cardiff and French side Toulon but it was on the international scene where he really made his mark.

Having begun on the wing, Halfpenny soon established himself as one of the world’s best full-backs and was part of four winning Six Nations teams – 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2021 – which included two Grand Slams.

He was named player of the tournament in 2013, finishing with 74 points as Wales thrashed England 30-3 on the final day to deny their neighbours and win the championship for a second successive year.

Halfpenny also represented the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017 and was selected for the 2009 Tour before he was forced to withdraw through injury.

The Welshman was named the player of the series in 2013 as the Lions beat Australia 2-1, bettering Neil Jenkins' record for the most points in a Test series (49) and the most points in a single Test match (21).

Renowned as a deadly goal-kicker, Halfpenny has scored 801 points for Wales, which places him behind only Jenkins (1,049) and Stephen Jones (917) on the all-time list.

“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’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.

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

Halfpenny last featured for Wales at this year’s World Cup, which was his third appearance in rugby’s showpiece event.

Wales were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Argentina but Halfpenny said he is “excited about this group of players” and that he is “looking forward to supporting the boys from the stands” after he bows out on November 4 at the Principality Stadium.

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