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Crusaders sign Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny
By Ian Cameron
Crusaders have confirmed the rumoured signing of Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny.
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The 34-year-old British & Irish Lions full-back had played more than 100 matches for Wales and nearly 200 first class matches for professional clubs across Europe.
Head coach Rob Penney described the signing as “a massive coup”.
“Leigh’s a footballer with a huge amount of experience, charisma and skill,” Penney said. “We had our feelers out for a while, and 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.
“Leigh adds even more maturity to our backline, while also bringing in some Northern Hemisphere perspective, so yeah, we’re excited about what he’ll bring into camp.”
The Welshman says he’s always followed the Canterbury franchise.
“I’ve always watched Super Rugby and the Crusaders are the team I’ve always followed,” Halfpenny said shortly after signing his one-year contract.
“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.
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“Rob Penney and his team couldn’t have been any more welcoming and I feel hugely honoured to be joining them.
“I’ve always loved the time I’ve spent in New Zealand on tour. It’s a passionate rugby nation and I’ve always been made to feel very much at home there. My family and I are very excited about the move.”
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The weather was dreadful but the playing surface was great so there is no real excuse for such another poor standard of play from both sides. Dragons just the better team. But, what a shocking decision by the TMO not to award the Fifita try. This pretty much sums up Welsh rugby with poor teams and poor officials. The WRU have a lot of work to do and it needs to be done quickly to avoid rugby being lost to our future generations.
Go to commentsNo chance of Borthwick selecting any young talent. He announced his selection policy from the outset with naming a poor OF as Captain, retaining an equally poor Youngs and Vunipola brothers when there were many better EQP in the Premiership. SB revival of Leicester was based on SA muscle and a terrific Welsh flanker he has generally ignored young English talent.
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