Leigh Halfpenny announces international retirement after 101 caps for Wales

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Leigh Halfpenny has announced he is to retire from international duty with Wales following the team’s exit from the Rugby World Cup. In a statement, the 34-year-old said: “After having time to reflect after the Rugby World Cup campaign, it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided it’s time for me to step away from international rugby. “It’s been a huge honour and a privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and represent my country over the last 15 years.” Playing mainly as a full-back or winger, he made his Wales bow during the 2008 autumn series against South Africa aged 19, before going on to make four Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions during the 2013 and 2017 tours. “While I’ll be moving on from the international game, I’m excited about the next chapter as a player in this game which has given me so much, and look forward to sharing details on my club future soon.” He is the fifth player to retire from Wales international duty this year after Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb, who confirmed they would step away in May, and Dan Biggar who retired after the team were knocked out of the World Cup.