Cardiff Blues issue Halfpenny warning

Cardiff Blues have issued a 'hands-off' warning to several English clubs who have shown an interest in young wing Leigh Halfpenny.

Cardiff Blues have issued a 'hands-off' warning to several English clubs who have shown an interest in young wing Leigh Halfpenny.

Halfpenny, who will look to further enhance his reputation against Canada on Friday, has been in fine form this season for the Blues. So much so that, even with less than ten professional games for the Blues, other clubs are keen to secure his signature.

However, Blues boss Dai Young has warned clubs, including Gloucester and Sale, that the 19-year-old is going nowhere fast, labelling him as 'a special commodity'.

Young insists talks on a new big money contract for Halfpenny are already advanced, and that as far as he is concerned the teenage speedster will remain a pivotal Blues figure.

“We are well down the road in our discussions and as far as we are concerned Leigh's new contract is virtually sorted,” said Young to South Wales Echo.

“We've just a few details to finalise. Leigh is an honourable person and I think he appreciates the opportunity he has been given at the Blues when nobody else would give one to him.

“At the end of the day, he wants to remain and we want him to remain.

“Leigh is a terrific prospect, a special player, but he has things still to learn as well.”

With Wales coach Warren Gatland taking a hard-line stance on players not plying their trade in Wales it would seem a cross-border move would be counter-productive to the teenage sensation.