Leigh Halfpenny is set to embark on his second tenure with Cardiff.
Cardiff Rugby has officially announced the signing of seasoned Welsh international full-back, Leigh Halfpenny, on a short-term agreement.
Halfpenny, 36, will initially serve as a kicking coach while simultaneously working towards his return to the pitch for the Arms Park side, following recovery from a calf injury.
The esteemed former British and Irish Lions Test player had been training with Cardiff after his departure from Harlequins at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
The agreement was finalized prior to the exit of former head coach Matt Sherratt, who has joined Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching staff.
“I’m deeply appreciative of this opportunity – first to Jockey (Matt Sherratt) for bringing me in and to the club for formalizing the arrangement,” Halfpenny stated.
Halfpenny previously held a kicking coach role with Wales during their summer tour of Japan, collaborating with Sherratt, who has since transitioned to the permanent Wales attack coach position, leaving Cardiff.
“I was fortunate to serve as a kicking coach with Wales Under-20s some years ago and, more recently, had the privilege of working with the senior team in Japan this summer,” Halfpenny noted.
“This marks the next phase in that journey, and I am thoroughly enjoying my time with Cardiff’s kickers and their emerging back-three players.”
“There is a wealth of talent here, and if I can contribute in any way by sharing my experience, that would be fantastic.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Halfpenny earned 101 caps for Wales, participated in four Lions Test matches, and secured a Heineken Cup title during his tenure with Toulon.
He has expressed that he is not yet ready to retire from playing.
“While I envision my future in coaching, I remain incredibly motivated to play and believe I still have a significant contribution to make on the field,” Halfpenny added.
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Halfpenny previously represented Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues from 2007 to 2014, before his transfers to Toulon and later Scarlets.
During his initial seven-year stint with Cardiff, Halfpenny made 87 appearances, accumulating 568 points.
The 36-year-old secured both the Amlin Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup during that period.
“Having progressed through the academy and spent seven years here, I have always harbored the hope of returning to the Arms Park one day,” Halfpenny remarked.
“The opportunity to play for this club again, where it all began, would mean a great deal to me.”
“Concluding my playing career here would be a dream come true.”
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