Halfpenny commits coaching future to Cardiff

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny has committed his coaching career to Cardiff.

The 37-year-old was Wales' kicking coach during the recent three-game Nations Championship summer campaign.

But, having ended his glittering playing career as a Cardiff player-coach as the 2025-26 season came to a close, Halfpenny will remain at the Arms Park working with their senior players and aspiring academy talent as a skills coach.

Halfpenny said: "There is a great group of players, who I enjoyed working with last season, and I believe I can add value to the group, while also helping the young players coming through.

"It was a huge honour to work with Wales again this summer, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity and I'm looking forward to bringing that experience back to the club."

Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl believes Halfpenny's achievements, including scoring 801 points while winning101 Wales caps and being a highly respected three-time Lions tourist, are invaluable attributes.

Van Zyl said: "It is clear and evident from last year's work that all of our kickers improved. He is so professional and diligent in everything he does, so now moving into a full-time role I am excited to see the impact he will have.

"He will work with all of our kickers from goal-kicking and touch-kicking etcetera to our scrum-halves and their technique, but he will also work within the academy, which will be really beneficial for his growth and development as a coach.

"He has a great future as a coach and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to the Arms Park following another great experience with the national squad."