Former Wales Full-Back Leigh Halfpenny Signs One-Year Deal with New Zealand's Super Rugby Champions Crusaders for 2024 Season

34-year-old Halfpenny, with 801 points in 101 games for Wales and Lions player of the series in 2013, joins Crusaders following international retirement; may excel in place-kicking role left empty by Richie Mo'unga's move to Toshiba Brave Lions.

Former Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has signed a one-year contract with New Zealand Super Rugby side, the Crusaders, following his international retirement.
Halfpenny, who has scored 801 points in 101 games for Wales and was named Lions player of the series in 2013, is expected to fill the place-kicking role left vacant by Richie Mo'unga's move to the Toshiba Brave Lions.
While Halfpenny primarily played as a fullback, he is open to switching to flyhalf if necessary, adding versatility to the Crusaders' lineup.
In addition to playing, Halfpenny's role at the Crusaders will also involve mentoring some of the younger squad members, contributing his extensive experience and perspective from the northern hemisphere.
Halfpenny's move to the Crusaders is part of a larger trend of Wales players and coaches heading to New Zealand; fly-half Rhys Patchell will join the Highlanders next year and Stephen Jones is set to become the Moana Pasifika attack coach.