Wales star Halfpenny relishes switch to Super Rugby's Crusaders

Welsh star Leigh Halfpenny said he relished the chance to play for the Canterbury Crusaders as the defending Super Rugby champions confirmed Monday that he has signed a one-year deal.

The full-back will run out for the Christchurch-based side when the 2024 season starts in February.

"I've always watched Super Rugby and the Crusaders are the team I've followed," Halfpenny said in a statement.

"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."

Halfpenny retired from international rugby after making his final appearance last Saturday when he kicked 10 points in a win over the Barbarians in Cardiff.

He appeared in 103 Tests for Wales, scoring 821 points, since his 2008 debut.

Halfpenny brings a wealth of experience having also played four Tests for the British and Irish Lions.

He will join All Blacks backs Will Jordan and Sevu Reece in a Crusaders side chasing an eighth straight Super Rugby title with new head coach Rob Penney in charge, replacing All Blacks-bound Scott Robertson.

Penney said signing Halfpenny was "a massive coup".

"Leigh's a footballer with a huge amount of experience, charisma and skill,” Penney added.

"We had our feelers out for a while. Leigh was finishing up his time with Wales and still had a big desire to play at the highest level, so it’s a great fit for us."

ryj/sft/sst