The Wales full-back has previously helped out with Wales U20s, but still has an ambition to carry on playing
Leigh Halfpenny(Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency)
The Welsh Rugby Union are understood to have approached Leigh Halfpenny over a kicking coaching role for their upcoming summer tour of Japan.
Wales are still finalising their coaching team for this summer, as they also look for a permanent head coach to replace Warren Gatland. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is expected to take the reigns, having been in charge for Wales’ final three matches in the Six Nations, but it is currently unclear who will make up the rest of Sherratt’s ticket.
However, it seemingly won’t be the former Wales full-back.
Halfpenny is set to leave Harlequins this summer after a season with the Gallagher Premiership club, but it’s understood he still has plans to continue playing.
The 36-year-old, who previously spent three years at Toulon, is closing in on a move to ProD2 club Beziers – meaning he’s unlikely to take up any part-time role with Wales this summer.
It’s unsurprising the WRU have shown interest in Halfpenny as a coach. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
He has previously been part of the WRU’s Player to Coach scheme, alongside the likes of Justin Tipuric, Bradley Davies and James Hook.
He has also worked with Wales U20s on their kicking, helping out the likes of Dan Edwards and Cameron Winnett.
An official announcement on Wales’ summer coaches is expected next week, as the Union continue to search on two fronts for both an interim and a permanent coaching team.
Harlequins coach Danny Wilson is understood to be one of the WRU’s targets to work alongside Sherratt on the two-Test series in Kitakyshu and Kobe, as is his club colleague and former Wales tighthead, Adam Jones.
Jones was brought in by Gatland during the Six Nations on secondment from Harlequins to work with Wales’ scrum.
Gloucester coach T. Rhys Thomas could also be involved, having been brought in by Sherratt in the Six Nations as a skills coach.
Cardiff defence coach Gethin Jenkins has been suggested as another possible member.
However, the former loosehead said last week he had not thought about any return to the national team – having been Wayne Pivac’s defence coach between 2020 and 2022.
To add to the confusion, Wales’ existing coaches – Jonathan Humphreys, Mike Forshaw and Rob Howley – are understood to have had no contact about the summer tour, with their current deals set to expire this summer.