Leigh Halfpenny Return: Wales Legend Signs New Player-Coach Deal at Cardiff
Leigh Halfpenny is officially back in Cardiff colours, with the former Wales full-back signing a new contract that paves the way for a long-awaited return to action this weekend.
The 36-year-old joined the club at the start of the season on a short-term agreement, initially working as a kicking coach while recovering from a calf injury. The deal always included the option of a Leigh Halfpenny return to the pitch once he was fully fit.
Cardiff Rugby have now confirmed that Halfpenny — who turns 37 just before Christmas — has agreed to stay on as a player-coach, combining his specialist kicking expertise with squad duties at the Arms Park.
Could feature against Ulster this weekend
Halfpenny Cardiff fans may not need to wait long to see him back in action. He has been cleared for selection for Saturday’s Challenge Cup clash with Ulster (20:00 GMT), potentially marking his first Cardiff appearance since 2014.
If selected, it will have been 4,347 days since his last outing in the famous Blue and Black before departing for French giants Toulon.
Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl welcomed the boost:
“We’re blessed with some quality full-backs at the club, but adding Leigh’s experience to that group is brilliant.
He’s helped our kickers and young full-backs over the past two months and worked hard to get himself fit.
He continues to support the younger players every day and gives us another strong option in the squad.”
A storied career before coming home
Halfpenny spent seven seasons at Cardiff during his first spell, making 87 appearances, scoring 568 points, and lifting both the Amlin Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup.
His career since has taken him across the rugby world:
• Toulon, where he became one of Europe’s most reliable goal-kickers
• Scarlets, returning to Welsh regional rugby
• A stint with the Crusaders in New Zealand
• And time at Harlequins in the Premiership
More recently, Halfpenny also worked within Wales’ coaching team during the 2025 summer tour of Japan, offering specialist kicking support.
Now, with fitness regained and the door open for a competitive comeback, Cardiff supporters may soon witness a landmark Halfpenny Cardiff return — over a decade after he last ran out at the Arms Park.
