Halfpenny Donates Player Of The Series Prize Money To Charity

Lions superstar Leigh Halfpenny has donated his prize money for being crowned player of the series to a Welsh kidney charity.

Halfpenny, who scored a record 114 points on the winning tour of Australia, was the standout player this summer as the tourists recorded a first series victory in 16 years.

The award came juts months after he was crowned Six Nations player of the tournament and cemented his status as the hottest property in the world game.

Halfpenny has decided to donate his prize fund, understood to be 3,000 Australian dollars (around £1,800) to the Kidney Wales Foundation.

He said: “I was honoured to be made a Patron of Kidney Wales in my early international playing days. The Charity does great work and I have visited the Children’s Kidney Centre  to see firsthand the children waiting for a transplant and on dialysis.

“I was  honoured to be made player of the series and received funds to give to my chosen charity – the Kidney Wales Foundation is my chosen charity.”

The Charity confirmed that payment will be made by the Australian Rugby Football Union who had been in contact this week.

Roy J Thomas of Kidney Wales said “ Leigh is role model and from first meeting him some years ago I never doubted his ability and commitment. He has integrity in all he does and this shines through on the rugby field.

“Everyone who supported the Lions watched in awe as Leigh’s inspiring performances in Australia led them to victory. We were proud of him as a Patron as are his family and friends.”

The Charity confirmed the funds will go to the Children’s Kidney Unit in the University Hospital of Wales.