Leigh Halfpenny practising before a recent match against Toulon
Leigh Halfpenny looks set to join Toulon after Cardiff Blues confirmed he will leave the Welsh club at the end of the season.
The Wales and Lions full-back will be the latest top Welsh star to head to France, following in the footsteps of Luke Charteris, Jonathan Davies, Ian Evans, James Hook, Dan Lydiate and Jamie Roberts.
Cardiff did not reveal where Halfpenny will be playing next season, but reigning European champions Toulon are expected to announce his signing on Thursday.
The 25-year-old made his debut for the region in 2008 and has scored almost 350 points in 48 international appearances for Wales, winning last season’s Six Nations player of the tournament award before being named the Lions’ player of the series in Australia.
“The threat to Welsh rugby and our ability to keep top players in Wales is highlighted by the fact the French game is underpinned by broadcast revenues that dwarf anything we receive from our domestic league.”
Cardiff Blues chief executive Richard Holland
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Halfpenny will be out of contract at the end of this season, and Blues chief executive Richard Holland admitted they could not compete with the Top 14 giants as they attempted to retain the player.
“Retaining Leigh has been one of our highest priorities and we have done all we can in our power as a region and business to try and facilitate that,” Holland told the Cardiff Blues website.
“His outstanding performances for Blues, Wales and the Lions have made him one of the most prized players in world rugby. We put our very best offer on the table but he has been the target of a major European club with significant resources that we simply cannot compete with at this current time.
“Leigh has been a fantastic servant to the Blues and I know how hard a decision this has been for him. He has been presented with a tremendous opportunity to play overseas and feels this is the right move at this stage in his career. He will go with our very best wishes for success with his new club.
“Given the current uncertainty over the competitions the regions are playing in next season and revenues attached to that, it is understandable why players are looking elsewhere.
Determined
“The threat to Welsh rugby and our ability to keep top players in Wales is highlighted by the fact the French game is underpinned by broadcast revenues that dwarf anything we receive from our domestic league.
“We need to be able to compete and have meaningful competitions that will increase funding into Welsh rugby. It’s not surprising that Welsh players would choose the certainty of strong weekly French competitions over the uncertainty of the weekly club competition in Wales.
“The future of the game in Wales must be sorted out now – this situation simply cannot be allowed to continue.”
Director of rugby Phil Davies added: “Leigh is one of the most professional and dedicated players I have ever worked with and a proven match winner. His mental strength sets him apart from others.
“His development from the age grade system through to international honours is testament the career pathway we have here at Blues and I look forward to seeing the next generation now follow his lead to the top of the game.
“We wish him all the very best for his career overseas from the end of this season. I know he will be determined to finish strongly with Blues and the door will also be open to his return.”.
Former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who is already part of the star-studded Toulan squad, was quoted as telling the Daily Telegraph: “We would welcome Leigh here and any club would.
“It’s about welcoming someone who could add to the team, inspire others and leave a mark.
“That is what the guy has done with other teams and that is the best thing I can say about anyone.”
Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/23303430
Rugby union: Cardiff Blues confirm Leigh Halfpenny departure
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