Leigh Halfpenny signs one-year deal with Crusaders

Leigh Halfpenny has joined New Zealand Super Rugby side Crusaders on a one-year deal, after bringing down the curtain on his Wales career.

The 101-times capped Halfpenny played his final Wales game on Saturday as Warren Gatland’s side beat Barbarians 49-26 in Cardiff.

“I’ve always watched Super Rugby and the Crusaders are the team I’ve always followed,” Halfpenny, 34, told the Christchurch-based club’s website.

“I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world and I can’t wait to meet everyone.

“Rob Penney (head coach) and his team couldn’t have been any more welcoming and I feel hugely honoured to be joining them.

“I’ve always loved the time I’ve spent in New Zealand on tour.

“It’s a passionate rugby nation and I’ve always been made to feel very much at home there. My family and I are very excited about the move.”

Halfpenny is third on the all-time list of men’s points scorers for Wales with 801.

He made four Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions across the 2013 and 2017 tours, being named player of the series in the former following the tourists’ 2-1 victory in Australia.