‘I shouldn’t be far away’ – British and Irish Lions great shares cryptic retirement message after living out ‘childhood dream’
Leigh Halfpenny delivers heartfelt message after living 'childhood dream'
Welsh legend Leigh Halfpenny will hang up his boots at the end of the season after a professional career that has spanned almost 20 years and taken him all around the world.
From his younger days at Neath Rugby Football Club, he has taken a journey through Wales with Cardiff and Scarlets, crossed the shore down to the bottom of France with Toulon, spent time in England with Harlequins, and even tested his mettle in New Zealand with the Crusaders.
With over a century of appearances for Wales and three British and Irish Lions caps under his belt, the 37-year-old will go down as one of the greatest full-backs to have ever played the game.
Taking time to address his fans, colleagues and loved ones, he posted the following message on social media.
A farewell from Leigh Halfpenny
“It’s hard to put into words how much rugby means to me. Starting out as a six year old down at Gorseinon Rugby Club I could never have imagined the journey rugby would take me on – none of it would have been possible without those people who supported me from the very beginning,” he wrote.
“Rugby has given me some of the best moments of my life and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have played the game I love for the last 18 years.
“It’s always going to be difficult to walk away but the time feels right as I reflect back on a career that I’m incredibly grateful for.
“I’ll be forever grateful to Cardiff Rugby for giving me the opportunity to join the academy and start my professional career, I instantly felt at home and I’ll always look back at my time at Cardiff as some of the most memorable years of my life. It’s a special club and to be able to finish my playing career where I started means so much.
“My time at Toulon was an incredible experience. It gave me an opportunity for a new challenge, to move to the South of France, learn a new culture and to play in some of best atmospheres in club rugby on the biggest stage. It is something I will never forget.
“I’ll always be thankful to the Scarlets, where I spent six amazing years of my career after returning home to Wales. It’s a club with so much passion and identity and I loved being part of it. It’s a chapter i’ll always treasure.
“To have the privilege to join the Crusaders, to live in New Zealand and play Super Rugby was an experience of a lifetime. And to go on to join Harlequins, wear the famous quarters, and be part of such a historic club was a huge honour. I feel so fortunate to have represented the clubs I have.
“To play for my country was always a childhood dream. To wear the Wales jersey meant everything to me, and to have the privilege of playing 101 times, including at 3 Rugby World Cups, is something I still struggle to put into words. These remain some of the proudest moments of my life.
“To represent the British and Irish Lions was the pinnacle of my career.
“Wearing the Lions jersey was an incredible honour and to play alongside, and against, some of the best in the game, making lifelong friendships is an experience I’ll cherish forever.
“And to be invited to play for the Barbarians and to represent them against the All Blacks remains one of my most memorable weeks in rugby. Moments like that remind you why you fell in love with the game in the first place.
“There have been immense highs that will stay with me forever, along with challenging times that tested me – each one has taught me something and has shaped me into the person I am today.
“I can’t thank the people who have played a part in my journey enough and I owe so much to everyone who supported me.
“To every team mate, past and present – thank you for everything over the years, the memories, the laughs and the friendships that go way beyond rugby. It’s been an unreal journey and I’ve loved every minute of it with you all.
“To my coaches and back room staff – thank you for the faith you showed in me, for pushing me and for the time you invested in helping me become a better player. I’m forever grateful.
“To the loyal fans – thank you for the love and support you’ve shown me over the years, through every high and low. It’s meant more than you’ll ever know.
“To my Mum, Dad and sister Rachel – thank you for everything you sacrificed for me to live out my dreams. Taking me to training, the cold Sunday mornings – your unwavering support from the very beginning has made it all possible and I hope I’ve made you proud.
“To my family, friends and in-laws who have been there through it all, thank you for everything you’ve done for me, your support and belief has meant more than I can put into words and I’m so grateful for you all.
“A special mention to my agent, Tim Lopez, for your guidance but more importantly as a mentor and friend.
“Jess – you’ve been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’ve been by my side every step of the way and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for your love, patience, constant encouragement and the sacrifices you’ve made. There’s no words I can say how much it’s meant to me and none of this would have been possible without you.
“Lily and Nora – you are my world and my biggest motivation in everything I do. Everything I’ve done has been for you – I’m so proud to be your dad and I can’t wait for this next chapter for us.
“I have given everything to rugby and in return it’s given me more than I could ever have dreamed of. It’s given me a sense of purpose and belonging, as well as friendships and memories that I will treasure forever. It’s never going to be easy to say goodbye but the time is right and I’m finishing with an immense sense of pride and gratitude.
His time as a player is coming to an end, but he doesn’t appear to be stepping out of the game entirely.
“Although I’m hanging up the boots I shouldn’t be too far away,” he admitted. “I look forward to new challenges ahead and hope to be able to give back to the game that’s given me so much.
“Thank you, Diolch.”
From one great to another
Cardiff Rugby life president Sir Gareth Edwards said: “It’s inevitable that every player comes to the end of their career, but I am genuinely saddened to see Leigh finish this season.
“He has achieved so much in the game and undoubtedly goes down as one of the game’s greatest players.
“He is someone I have admired, respected and enjoyed watching over the years, and even more so as a player from Cardiff.
“A prodigious goal-kicker and an outstanding full-back. He was absolutely outstanding in that first stint for the club, where he enjoyed so much success and typically gave his all in every moment.
“He sits among right among the finest players to have pulled on the Blue & Black and can be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved in the game.
“Off the pitch, his personality also makes him such a likeable young man. He is so humble and always has time for people, even in the chaos sometimes brought by his stature in the game.
“Everyone at Cardiff wishes Leigh, Jess and their family the very best for the next chapter. We all feel very fortunate that he spent so much of his career here.”
Messages of appreciation for one of the greats
Various colleagues and fans of the game left messages of appreciation following Halfpenny’s announcement. Here is a snapshot of just some of the warm wishes.
George North: “Congrats my brother! One of the best is an understatement. I look forward to catching up over a cold one soon and talking about the good old days.”
Nigel Owens: “One of the true greats on and off the field”
James Hook: “Congrats on everything Penns boy ! Phenomenal career and absolute pleasure to play alongside you pal, You’ve showed the youngsters what can be achieved with talent, hard work and dedication! And a great bloke to go with it. Legend !”
Jamie Roberts: “An incredible journey around the world and to the top of the highest peaks. Was a privilege to share a lot of it with you since the academy days my friend”
Quade Cooper: “Legend! Amazing career mate one of the best to do it”
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