Latest news with #Halfpenny
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Leigh Halfpenny's future plan as Wales star one of 10 picked to be next coaches
Leigh Halfpenny's future plan as Wales star one of 10 picked to be next coaches The former Wales full-back started his new temporary role this week Leigh Halfpenny talks with Wales fly-half Dan Edwards (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) In the days before Leigh Halfpenny's long-awaited 100th cap for Wales, such was his obsessive nature, Neil Jenkins had to rein in the full-back when it came to his training load. "What are you doing, Pence?" were effectively the words of choice from the former Wales fly-half to the man that he had mentored for well over a decade. Even as he neared the century in a red jersey - having had to endure injuries and late withdrawals as he made it into the nervous nineties - the steadfast dedication to pushing himself to the limit remained. That has always been one of the strengths of Halfpenny, the reason behind the remarkable career he has enjoyed. He is meticulous, with nothing left to chance. In many ways, the metronomic goal-kicking was symbolic of that attitude; reliably getting the most out of everything in his career. And yet, now, some close to Halfpenny suggest that - in a relatively unexpected sojourn from playing this summer - he is uncharacteristically relaxed about what happens next. A move to France seems likely once his summer in Japan - with a brief stint in Australia for the Classic Lions too - is done. Article continues below But, while a deal with Beziers could come at some point after his departure from Harlequins, he's welcoming this unanticipated piece of work experience. This week has marked Halfpenny's first with the senior national team not as a player, but as a coach. Word from the camp is he's settled in well, commanding respect from the players. Some he will know better than others. There are some new faces since Halfpenny called time on his Test career. For the second summer in a row, Cameron Winnett will spend time learning from one of the men he was suddenly tasked with replacing in last year's Six Nations. Having got to learn from Liam Williams down under last year, he'll now be seeking words of wisdom from the other half of Wales' full-back duopoly for the past decade or so. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Of course, the likes of Josh Adams and Taulupe Faletau will have provided some familiarity, as would the coaching ticket he's joined - having spent the season working with Danny Wilson and Adam Jones at Quins. Even Dan Edwards, who is currently in his second Wales camp after making his debut in the Six Nations, has worked with Halfpenny while the full-back was working with the U20s. Back in 2022, he worked with Wales' age-grade side while out injured - working as a kicking coach. It was little surprise he did the role, given a move into coaching has always felt the obvious step for Halfpenny. 10 players hand-picked by WRU Back in 2019, he was one of 10 players - alongside Justin Tipuric, James Hook, Bradley Davies, Paul James, Rob McCusker, Aaron Jarvis, Brok Harries, Angus O'Brien and Dan Fish - hand-picked to undertake a new coach development programme with the Welsh Rugby Union. The year-long programme saw them work with WRU performance coach manager Dan Clements towards a UKCC Level 3 award in Coaching Rugby Union as they took the first steps towards coaching - with mentors brought in for the players. Six years on, it's starting to pay off. Tipuric will begin next season coaching the Ospreys' defence, while Hook is also involved with both the senior side and the academy at the region. Former prop James has also been coaching the academy, as did Davies - although he will move onto the Scarlets next season. Elsewhere, Jarvis is head of rugby at Ivybridge Community College, while Fish is coaching Cardiff RFC. At the time, there were plans for Halfpenny to hold kicking clinics with a group of under-18s players. There's certainly a sense that, for all he's achieved, there's too much rugby intellectual property to not be passed on. Just as Jenkins went from a diligent player who lived on his nerves - you need only hear the retching on those old Lions documentaries - Halfpenny has seemed destined for a similar path to his mentor. The only downside to Halfpenny's opportunity this summer is where it leaves the man who watched all of his kicks closer than most over the years. Jenkins is still contracted by the WRU, but communication is understood to have been scarce with all of the existing coaches when it came to the tour of Japan. It's understandable interim head coach Matt Sherratt wants his own people if he's going to do the job. Missing Japan is no major blow to the coaches whose contracts expire this summer. Mike Forshaw, for example, is seemingly set for a move to Leicester Tigers before the WRU get their new head coach in place. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free But where not touring leaves Jenkins when a new coach does take over is anyone's guess. One thing is for certain is that Jenkins has nothing but pride in seeing Halfpenny's rise to coaching. After the tour of Japan, Halfpenny will head down under with the Classic Lions before writing the next chapter in his storied playing career. There's still more to squeeze out of his playing days. Jenkins, who has been working with the U20s recently, should still have a role to play with the WRU moving forward - although that probably rests on whoever the new head coach is. By the autumn, Jenkins could be back with the national team, while Halfpenny could be plying his trade in France. Article continues below However, this summer will have paved the way for the natural progression. The student becoming the teacher. One day, Halfpenny might just be the one reining in someone in the days before a big match.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Welsh rugby legend to be knighted and Leigh Halfpenny starts new job
Today's rugby news as Welsh rugby legend to be knighted and Leigh Halfpenny starts new job These are the rugby stories making headlines on the morning of Tuesday, June 10. New Wales coach Leigh Halfpenny (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) These are your headlines on the morning of Tuesday, June 10. Welsh rugby legend to be knighted Rugby legend Billy Boston will be knighted today at Buckingham Palace as part of the King's birthday honours. The 90-year-old grew up in Tiger Bay in Cardiff and is widely regarded as one of the best rugby league players of all time. Often referred to as a "codebreaker", Boston has previously revealed his heartache at never representing his country. He said he had wanted to play for Wales "with all his heart" while representing Neath and Pontypridd in the 1950s. Article continues below But faced with no interest in his services he headed to league and Wigan where he scored 478 tries in 487 appearances and became one of the sport's greatest ever talents. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "I used to catch the bus from Cardiff's ground to play for Neath," he said two years ago. "Cardiff didn't want to know. And I wanted to play for Wales with all my heart. But it wasn't to be' A statue of the legend was erected in Cardiff Bay - in Landsea Square, Mermaid Quay - to acknowledge what he has done for the sport and area. A knighthood was long overdue, David Baines, the chairman of the all-party parliamentary rugby league group and MP for St Helens, said. He told The Times: 'Billy Boston is an absolutely perfect first knight for rugby league given everything he has achieved, overcoming racial and class prejudice as well as his achievements on and off the field of play. 'But this has to be the first rugby league knight not the last, and Kevin Sinfield must be the next in line. He would have been knighted years ago had he grown up playing rugby union. 'I raised it in Parliament earlier this year pointing out that in 120 years of rugby league it has not had a single knight or dame. It is beyond reasonable doubt that a certain level of class prejudice did exist because the players come from working-class backgrounds, didn't go to the right schools, and didn't mix in the right social circles.' Halfpenny gets straight to work Leigh Halfpenny has got straight to work in his new role with the Welsh rugby team. Last week it was confirmed Halfpenny was joining Matt Sherratt's coaching ticket for the two-Test tour of Japan this summer. 'To be asked to work with the men's national squad this summer is a huge honour and I'm very grateful for the opportunity,' said Halfpenny. 'I really enjoyed my experience coaching with the U20s a few years ago and I'm looking forward to continuing my development in this area over the next few weeks. Neil Jenkins has been a massive influence on me throughout my career. 'He's one of the best that there has ever been and I've been privileged to have learnt so much from him and I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role. 'I'm still finalising my plans beyond the summer and hope to update more on that front soon. In the meantime, I can't wait to get into camp and join up with Matt, the rest of the coaching team and squad next week.' With Wales players now in camp, Halfpenny has been pictured alongside fellow coaches Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, T. Rhys Thomas and Danny Wilson, putting players through their paces. Morris signs new deal Morgan Morris has signed a new deal with the Ospreys. Morris has made 115 appearances for the club since making his debut back in 2017 and the No.8 is known for his fine form at regional level over the past couple of seasons. Despite his levels of consistency, a Wales call has yet to come, but if he continues in the same vein, that will soon change. Morris said: 'It was an easy decision for me to sign a new deal with the Ospreys. This is my hometown club and where I have spent the whole of my professional career. 'My best mates are here, players that came through a similar time to me, and we've all developed alongside each other, which is something that we will always treasure. 'We are a young team that's moving in the right direction, and we're all looking forward to pushing on and doing something special next season under Mark (Jones)." Jones said he was delighted to see Morris extend his stay in Swansea. He said: 'We're all extremely happy to have Morgan staying with the club. He is an Ospreys man through and through and is the perfect blueprint for our young players to look at when it comes to succeeding in an Ospreys jersey. 'Morgan often gets the plaudits for his hard work on the ball, but he has been working incredibly hard at improving the defensive side of his game since I joined the club, and that is something that was highly apparent in his performances last season.' New Zealand chief resigns By PA Sport Staff New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Article continues below Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Neil Jenkins writes a message to Leigh Halfpenny after being replaced by him and everyone is blown away
Neil Jenkins writes a message to Leigh Halfpenny after being replaced by him and everyone is blown away Leigh Halfpenny will be joining Matt Sherratt's coaching ticket this summer in Japan Wales legends Neil Jenkins (left) and Leigh Halfpenny (Image: Instagram/Jess Halfpenny ) Wales legend Neil Jenkins has penned a poignant message to Leigh Halfpenny as the former Harlequins player gets set to take on his mentor's role this summer. WalesOnline reported earlier on this week that Halfpenny was set to be included in Matt Sherratt's coaching ticket for their two-Test tour of Japan next month, with the news confirmed by the Welsh Rugby Union on Thursday. Halfpenny's contract with Quins has now elapsed but it is understood the former Scarlets, Ospreys and Cardiff man will be taking up a contact with France with Béziers next season. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. However, before that, he will tip his toes further into the coaching pool with a national team role alongside head coach Sherratt, defence coach Gethin Jenkins, scrum consultant Adam Jones, assistant forwards coach T. Rhys Thomas and forwards coach Danny Wilson. With the WRU going in a different direction, it means Warren Gatland's trusted lieutenant and Wales mainstay Jenkins will be staying at home this summer, but the hero paid a suitably heartfelt tribute to his student with a message and photo on Instagram. "Supporting my boy, always!" he wrote online. "Good luck for the summer tour son, very proud of you." Article continues below In the comments section of the post, Halfpenny's mother responded with a three heart emojis, while his wife Jess did the same, with others blown away by the sentiments expressed by Jenkins. "What a man you are for this post Jinx," wrote one, while another added: "Class is permanent, passing the baton on, thanks Neil and good luck Leigh." Leigh Halfpenny and Neil Jenkins pictured in 2021 (Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Jenkins and Halfpenny have worked together with the national side for years, with the kicking legend imparting his wisdom on the Gorseinon product, helping him become one of the best goalkickers in world rugby. Upon being announced as a member of Sherratt's team, Halfpenny quickly paid his own tribute to Jenkins. 'To be asked to work with the men's national squad this summer is a huge honour and I'm very grateful for the opportunity," said Halfpenny. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'I really enjoyed my experience coaching with the U20s a few years ago and I'm looking forward to continuing my development in this area over the next few weeks. "Neil Jenkins has been a massive influence on me throughout my career. "He's one of the best that there has ever been and I've been privileged to have learnt so much from him and I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role. 'I'm still finalising my plans beyond the summer and hope to update more on that front soon. Article continues below "In the meantime, I can't wait to get into camp and join up with Matt, the rest of the coaching team and squad next week.'
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales announce major coaching addition as legend joins Matt Sherratt's team
Wales announce major coaching addition as legend joins Matt Sherratt's team Matt Sherratt has strengthened his coaching team with the addition of a Wales hero Leigh Halfpenny joins Wales' coaching team (Image: PA ) Leigh Halfpenny will join the Wales coaching team for the two-Test match series against Japan this July as a skills coach. The Wales great is expected to prolong his playing career by signing for ambitious French second division club Béziers next season but will coach Wales this summer. Halfpenny has been officially added to Matt Sherratt's backroom team as a skills coach but will undoubtedly take charge of the kicking. Neil Jenkins was kicking coach under both Warren Gatland and Wayne Pivac but will be staying at home, with the 53-year-old facing an uncertain future. Halfpenny will work alongside head coach Sherratt, defence coach Gethin Jenkins, scrum consultant Adam Jones, assistant forwards coach T. Rhys Thomas and forwards coach Danny Wilson. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'It's great to have Leigh complete the coaching team for our two Tests this summer," said Sherratt. Article continues below "For him to pass on his knowledge and experience to our young backs will be brilliant. 'With three weeks until we arrive in Japan, we're excited to get together and maximise our preparation with the squad.' Throughout his playing career Halfpenny has been one of the best goal kickers in world rugby with 801 points in his 101 caps for Wales. 'To be asked to work with the men's national squad this summer is a huge honour and I'm very grateful for the opportunity," said Halfpenny. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Article continues below 'I really enjoyed my experience coaching with the U20s a few years ago and I'm looking forward to continuing my development in this area over the next few weeks. 'Neil Jenkins has been a massive influence on me throughout my career. "He's one of the best that there has ever been and I've been privileged to have learnt so much from him and I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. 'I'm still finalising my plans beyond the summer and hope to update more on that front soon. In the meantime, I can't wait to get into camp and join up with Matt, the rest of the coaching team and squad next week.'
Wales Online
04-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
WRU to make Leigh Halfpenny announcement as mentor Neil Jenkins told to stay at home
WRU to make Leigh Halfpenny announcement as mentor Neil Jenkins told to stay at home The former Wales full-back will join up with camp next week to help coach the national team Leigh Halfpenny shakes hands with Neil Jenkins (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency ) Leigh Halfpenny will be confirmed as part of Wales' coaching staff for the tour of Japan in the coming days. The former Wales full-back, who called time on his illustrious Test career after the 2023 World Cup, will join up with Matt Sherratt's coaching team from next week as preparations continue for the two-Test tour in July. The 36-year-old, who still has ambitions to carry on playing, will work as a kicking coach as part of interim head coach Sherratt's new-look coaching ticket. The 101-cap international had been expected to take up a role in Sherratt's staff for the Japan tour, although he wasn't initially named in Wales' management team on the same day that Cardiff head coach Sherratt named his 33-man squad to face the Brave Blossoms. Cardiff defence coach Gethin Jenkins, Gloucester's T. Rhys Thomas and Harlequins pair Danny Wilson and Adam Jones have already been confirmed as part of Sherratt's staff for the upcoming tour. Following his expected announcement this week, Halfpenny will take up his coaching duties next week - with Wales' preparations having started officially on Monday. Some players have even been in longer, with optional extra conditioning sessions taking place at their Vale Resort training base last week. Article continues below Following his Test retirement two years ago, Halfpenny has enjoyed spells in New Zealand and England, with Crusaders and Harlequins respectively. The full-back's departure from the Stoop was confirmed last month, with his last game for Quins coming on the weekend against Bristol Bears. He's now expected to join French club Beziers, but will spend his summer coaching with Wales first. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. With Halfpenny part of Wales' coaching staff in Japan, it means Neil Jenkins won't tour with the national team. The former fly-half has been a mainstay of Wales' coaching team for nearly two decades, first working with the national team in 2006. However, amid uncertainty over the future of the existing coaches, Jenkins is currently spending his time helping the U20s squad prepare for their World Championship campaign. Over the years, Jenkins has formed a very close bond with Halfpenny - having worked closely with the full-back. The 53-year-old was even present to watch Halfpenny's last game for Harlequins on the weekend. The need to bring in a temporary coaching staff to Japan comes as the Welsh Rugby Union's search for Warren Gatland's successor goes on. Gatland walked from the job during the Six Nations following a run of 14 consecutive Test defeats, with parts of his coaching staff remaining as Sherratt was parachuted into the job mid-tournament. With Sherratt being tasked with taking temporary charge again, the Cardiff boss has been allowed to choose his own coaching staff. As such, the rest of Gatland's backroom staff - Jonathan Humphreys, Mike Forshaw, Alex King and Rob Howley - will not be involved in Japan. Article continues below WalesOnline understands that communication from the Union with the existing coaches prior to the announcement of the summer's coaching ticket had been sparse. Some of those existing coaches are understood to be out of contract this summer, but the WRU insist no decision will be made on their futures until the new head coach is in place, with the search getting closer to its conclusion.
