The Latest Regarding Leigh Halfpenny’s Future
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Leigh Halfpenny will be at one of two clubs next season according to Cardiff Blues Chairman Peter Thomas.
The Welsh star’s contract with Toulon is set to expire at the end of the season with Cardiff and the Scarlet’s interested in bringing him home, as well as Toulon hoping to keep the fullback in France.
Thomas however is confident Halfpenny will return to Cardiff and believes should he accept a dual-contract offer, it will only be with Cardiff and not the Scarlets. It’s understood the Blues, in conjunction with the WRU, have tabled an offer of close on £400,000-a-year to Halfpenny.
Toulon are reported to have offered him a hugely lucrative contract extension, with figures of around £750,000-a-year being touted, but Halfpenny would have to rely on being a wildcard pick for Wales should he stay in France and would have to continue with the demands of French rugby, no doubt shortening his career.
Thomas has also stated that once you add in commercial endorsements, the 28-year-old would be very well paid in Wales.
“I am massively hopeful that he will be a Blues player next season,” said Thomas.
“I spoke to him recently. It’s obviously a huge decision. I don’t think it will just come down to finance. He’s had three years out there now. That’s longer than most and I think he will come back.
“And if he comes back to Wales, it will only be to here. It will be on a National Dual Contract. The WRU have been so helpful in this in getting to where we are.“I think that’s a sign of the trust and closeness of our relationship. Within a matter of weeks or days even, a decision will be made by Leigh.
“I would like to feel that he is going to come back to Wales. When you add up what you an get with a NDC and for playing for Wales and endorsements, Leigh Halfpenny would be able to earn a lot of money over here.
“And he would be looked after, that’s the main thing. He’s 28 now and he’s potentially got another two Lions tours ahead of him. He could do that by being over here.
“I think he’s sensible enough to realise that and I think that could be one of the determining factors.”
Do you think Halfpenny will be able to resist Toulon’s offer and return to Wales?
