Wales great Leigh Halfpenny lined up for one final move in illustrious career

Wales great Leigh Halfpenny is attracting interest from a host of Japanese clubs.

The 105 times-capped international spent last season at former Super Rugby champions the Crusaders in Christchurch but his time in New Zealand was blighted by injuries. Since the Super Rugby season finished Halfpenny has been back in Wales pondering his next move.

The 35-year-old is nearing the end of his career but his world class goal kicking and professionalism means he could still do a job in professional rugby. WalesOnline understands there has been interest in Halfpenny from Japan Rugby League One clubs.

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Japan has long been an attractive proposition for overseas players because of the huge salaries on offers and the fact it is nowhere near as physically demanding as the Northern Hemisphere or Super Rugby, but Japanese clubs are only permitted to sign 10 foreign players, of which only three can be capped at international level. There is already a Welsh presence in Japan with Wales internationals Liam Williams and Cory Hill already contracted to clubs in the Far East.

It is not out of the question that Halfpenny and former Wales playmaker Rhys Patchell, who is a free agent since leaving the Highlanders, could join them in Japan.

There have also been suggestions Halfpenny could call it a day and go into coaching having completed the Welsh Rugby Union's Player to Coach programme a few years ago, while he was also tasked with mentoring a number of Crusaders players while he was in Christchurch.

But you are a long time retired and Halfpenny has a big decision to make. The full-back has a young family and is due to get married in Wales later this summer.