- Leigh Halfpenny said he was ‘excited to get going’ after making the shock move
- It will be the Welsh legend’s first stint in the Premiership across his career
After club rugby stints in his homeland of Wales, France and New Zealand, the Gallagher Premiership and Harlequins is the latest and perhaps final stop for superstar full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
The 35-year-old’s joining of the London outfit came as a big shock when it was announced on Wednesday but is a shrewd move for a side that missed out on last season’s league play-offs.
Halfpenny might be at the tail end of his career, but his huge experience will be invaluable to the next generation of Harlequins players while his goalkicking remains as reliable as ever.
Now retired from international rugby after winning 101 caps and scoring 801 points for Wales, Halfpenny has signed for Harlequins after recently representing New Zealand outfit Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific. He has also played for Cardiff, Toulon and Scarlets in a glittering career.
Halfpenny said: ‘I’m excited to join Quins and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with such an iconic club. I have always admired the Premiership and I’m keen to grab this opportunity with both hands and contribute to the Quins DNA.
Leigh Halfpenny has made the surprise move to Harlequins, his first Premiership side
The now 35-year-old became a great of European rugby and was capped 101 times by Wales
‘I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and running out in front of a packed Stoop.’
After making his Wales debut in 2008, Halfpenny went on to become a great of European rugby, playing 101 times for his country and winning Six Nations Grand Slams in 2012 and 2019 as well as a title in 2013. He played in three World Cups and also starred on the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, being named player of the series in a 2-1 Test win.
Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson said: ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Leigh to Quins.
‘His experience speaks for itself and he will bring plenty of leadership, expertise and high standards to our squad, helping mentor our talented stable of back three players alongside bringing the benefit of his enormous experience to the wider squad. He’s an incredible athlete, highly skilful, and adaptive across multiple positions.
‘We’re confident he’ll make a strong impact at Quins this season.’
Halfpenny was joined as a Harlequins player by his former Wales team-mate Wyn Jones on Wednesday. The loosehead, who has 48 Test caps for his country and one cap for the Lions, has joined with immediate effect and will provide injury cover in the front-row for the 2024/25 season.
The 32-year-old has played his entire club career to date with his hometown club Scarlets.
Halfpenny was joined at Harlequins by his former Wales team-mate Wyn Jones on Wednesday
‘I’m delighted to join Quins and can’t wait to test myself in the Premiership and work alongside an exciting group of players,’ Jones said.
‘I’ve heard great things about the club and the supporters and I’m excited to work with (Harlequins scrum coach) Adam Jones to improve my game and help Quins achieve our objectives this season.’
Wilson added: ‘We’re excited to have Wyn at Quins. He’s an experienced and hard-working player who adds significant cover to our front row. He’s a powerful scrummager and strong ball carrier who’ll become an integral part of our pack this season.’
Halfpenny and Jones will join their fellow Welsh internationals Dillon Lewis and Jarrod Evans as Harlequins players for next season alongside the likes of England stars Marcus Smith and Joe Marler.
