Leigh Halfpenny has swapped his boots for a whistle after being appointed Cardiff’s full-time kicking coach.
The Wales great, who retired at the end of last season after combining playing and coaching duties, will also work as a skills coach within Cardiff’s academy as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.
Halfpenny recently spent the opening three rounds of the Nations Championship with the Wales squad as their kicking coach and believes that experience will help him in his new full-time role.
“I am thrilled to join Cardiff on a full-time basis,” said the 37-year-old.
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“It is a club that means a huge amount to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Arms Park as I continued my transition from player to coach last season.
“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.”
Halfpenny enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in Welsh rugby, earning 101 Test caps, winning three Six Nations titles – including two Grand Slams – and scoring 801 points for his country.
He also toured three times with the British & Irish Lions and was named Player of the Series during the Lions’ victorious 2013 tour of Australia.
Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl believes Halfpenny’s meticulous approach will continue to raise standards across the club.
“I’m really pleased that Leigh is joining the backroom staff as kicking coach,” said Van Zyl.
“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.”
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Van Zyl said Halfpenny’s influence would extend far beyond the senior squad.
“He will work with all of our kickers, from goal-kicking and touch-finding to our scrumhalves 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.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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Leigh Halfpenny has swapped his boots for a whistle after being appointed Cardiff’s full-time kicking coach.
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