For Sale: Best kicker in the world, only slightly used

[Jeff the Bear]

Leigh Halfpenny is frozen out by Welsh Regions as search for a new club drags on

The Lions star was snubbed by Toulon at the end of last season and now the door looks closed on a return to Wales

The prospect of free agent Leigh Halfpenny returning to Welsh rugby looks dead in the water, with all four Regions cold on the idea of making a move for his signature.

The Wales and Lions star is currently without a club after Toulon decided not to offer him a fresh deal after his three seasons in the south of France.

Halfpenny is said to be ‘super relaxed’ about finding an alternative employer, but WalesOnline understands the chances of that being in Wales are virtually nil.

...

With all four Regions thought to be braced for losses of approximately £1m each in the coming year, there is a climate of belt-tightening that does not suit a Halfpenny rescue package.

And yet it may end up being in the interests of the WRU for Halfpenny not to receive an offer from Wales.

That would free the 28-year-old from being captured by so-called Gatland’s Law and requiring a wildcard selection to play Test rugby.

The best case scenario in terms of his Wales future could yet be that Halfpenny signs for another French club willing to grant him full release for international rugby.

Such a club may be difficult to find given Halfpenny’s glaring absence for Toulon because of Lions commitments in June’s Top 14 final.

But if he goes to an English club – Bath have been linked with him – he will be subject to the strict rules around international release of the Rugby Players Association.

[booze]

He might be the best kicker in the world. Just not a very good at everything else

[Akkerman]

there will be a brutal wake-up call for him, lucky if he gets half his former salary now

[Jays Myth]

Could make the Blues bench?

[MaccTaff]

He might be the best kicker in the world. Just not a very good at everything else

Erm, whilst he may not be Stuart Hogg ball in hand, 1/2p can tackle and take a high ball. He's also got a massive boot.

So, yeah he's got his limitations but to say all he can do is kick at goal is just not true.

[henry]

He's shit again now, MacTaff.

He was shithouse before the Lions tour, shithouse at the start, quality again in the middle and now talentless guff once more.

The sages of PR have spoken. He should be taken out back and shot.

All he can do is kick.

[booze]

He's shit again now, MacTaff.

He was shithouse before the Lions tour, shithouse at the start, quality again in the middle and now talentless guff once more.

The sages of PR have spoken. He should be taken out back and shot.

All he can do is kick.

Hear hear!

[jezzer]

Kicking aside, there's nothing special about his game anymore. He's a solid starting FB at T14/AP/Pro12 level but won't have any upside and will be expensive to sign. Also won't be available in intnl windows.

Kings or Cheetahs presumably don't have the moolah.

[mr bungle]

All he can do is kick.

That's unfair. He seems adept at butchering a simple draw and pass

[David990]

Hasn't his kicking % gone down a lot last season? Missed a fair few more kicks than I can remember recently

[Ghost-Of-Nepia]

For Sale: Best kicker in the world, only slightly used

Has Marty Banks got out of his contract with Treviso again?

[fatcat]

Could make the Blues bench?

Probably a waste of money for Bedford.

[Average Joe]

Kicking aside, there's nothing special about his game anymore. He's a solid starting FB at T14/AP/Pro12 level but won't have any upside and will be expensive to sign. Also won't be available in intnl windows.

Kings or Cheetahs presumably don't have the moolah.

We'll take him. As long as he is willing to work for dop and chop, there is a vacancy at fullback called Clayton Blommetjies that he can fill.

[Flyin Ryan]

Kicking aside, there's nothing special about his game anymore.

[Chuckles1188]

Laidlaw's a better kicker

[JM2K6]

Kicking aside, there's nothing special about his game anymore.

It's an interesting comparison. Wilko brought something more than just kicking to Toulon. 1/2p, sadly, failed to do even that.

[plum-pudding]

I for one hope he doesn't go to Bath- Watson needs more practise at fb

Maybe Bristol can sign him up?

[Enzedder]

This is the inevitable result of the incessant SH poaching. Leave our boys alone and there will be room for your plodders

[Minnosu]

can't believe he's only 28?! christ he's been around forever.

there comes a point where a club has to ask if it's worth signing an injury prone guy who's going to target getting fit for international games over playing club games.
good player, but not worth breaking the bank for

[comets]

London Irish are signing players, their current fullback is scotland next best fullback, maybe they could dump him and take penny

[Margin_Walker]

London Irish are signing players, their current fullback is scotland next best fullback, maybe they could dump him and take penny

Our current first choice full back is Tommy Bell not Tonks. Equally reliable with the boot and a lot cheaper than Halfpenny.

[Kiwias]

Could make the Blues bench?

If DMac leaves the Chiefs.....

[Jays Myth]

Could make the Blues bench?

If DMac leaves the Chiefs.....

True