By Paul Jones
Leigh Halfpenny will bring 17 years of wisdom and leadership to Harlequins next season, according to their coach, Danny Wilson.
The former Wales and Lions full-back – now 35 – has joined the London club ahead of the new season, along with former Wales prop Wyn Jones.
Halfpenny’s move means he will become the first Welsh player to have performed at elite level for clubs in Wales, France, New Zealand and England in addition to his 101 caps for Wales and three Lions tours.
It's official 🤩!
We are thrilled to announce the signing of Wales and British & Irish Lions legend @LeighHalfpenny1 ✍️
📦 Delivered by @DHLRugbyUK #COYQ pic.twitter.com/G45FlFJFjU
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) July 31, 2024
Wilson said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Leigh to Quins.
“His experience speaks for itself and he will bring plenty of leadership, expertise and high standards to our squad.
“He’s an incredible athlete, highly skilful and adaptive across multiple positions. We’re confident he’ll make a strong impact at Quins this season.”
Halfpenny returns to the UK after a stint in New Zealand with Crusaders and said: “I’m excited to join Quins and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with such an iconic club.
“I have always admired the Premiership and I’m keen to grab this opportunity with both hands and contribute to the Quins DNA. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and running out in front of a packed Stoop.”
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Leigh Halfpenny for the 2024/25 season.🏉👏
BBCSport #BBCRugby #BBCScrumV pic.twitter.com/rUSXKPQi61
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) July 31, 2024
Quins hope the versatile Halfpenny, who has previously played for Cardiff, Toulon and Scarlets, can provide injury cover across a number of positions.
Loosehead prop Jones, who has 48 Test caps for his country and one cap for the Lions, has joined Quins with immediate effect and will provide injury cover in the front-row for the 2024/25 season.
The 32-year-old has played his entire club career to date with his hometown club Scarlets.
‘I’m delighted to join Quins and can’t wait to test myself in the Premiership and work alongside an exciting group of players,’ Jones said.
‘I’ve heard great things about the club and the supporters and I’m excited to work with (Harlequins scrum coach) Adam Jones to improve my game and help Quins achieve our objectives this season.’
If there's a player you want in the last line of defence to make a crucial try-saving tackle, Leigh Halfpenny is the man!🔥@Harlequins have themselves a handy player! pic.twitter.com/GiW9MrDHdk
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) July 31, 2024
Wilson added: ‘We’re excited to have Wyn at Quins. He’s an experienced and hard-working player who adds significant cover to our front row.
He’s a powerful scrummager and strong ball carrier who’ll become an integral part of our pack this season.’
Halfpenny and Jones will join their fellow Welsh internationals Dillon Lewis and Jarrod Evans as Harlequins players for next season alongside the likes of England stars Marcus Smith and Joe Marler.
✍️ We are excited to announce the signing of Wales International and British & Irish Lion Wyn Jones!
🚚 Delivered by @DHLRugbyUK #COYQ pic.twitter.com/VtDvispBiA
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) July 31, 2024