Matt Sherratt has strengthened his coaching team with the addition of a Wales hero
Leigh Halfpenny will join the Wales coaching team for the two-Test match series against Japan this July as a skills coach.
The Wales great is expected to prolong his playing career by signing for ambitious French second division club Béziers next season but will coach Wales this summer.
WalesOnline reported yesterday Halfpenny was due to be announced as skills coach this week and it has now been officially confirmed by the Welsh Rugby Union.
Halfpenny has been officially added to Matt Sherratt’s backroom team as a skills coach but will undoubtedly take charge of the kicking.
Neil Jenkins was kicking coach under both Warren Gatland and Wayne Pivac but will be staying at home, with the 53-year-old facing an uncertain future.
Halfpenny will work alongside head coach Sherratt, defence coach Gethin Jenkins, scrum consultant Adam Jones, assistant forwards coach T. Rhys Thomas and forwards coach Danny Wilson. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“It’s great to have Leigh complete the coaching team for our two Tests this summer,” said Sherratt.
“For him to pass on his knowledge and experience to our young backs will be brilliant.“With three weeks until we arrive in Japan, we’re excited to get together and maximise our preparation with the squad.”
Throughout his playing career Halfpenny has been one of the best goal kickers in world rugby with 801 points in his 101 caps for Wales.
“To be asked to work with the men’s national squad this summer is a huge honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” said Halfpenny. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
“I really enjoyed my experience coaching with the U20s a few years ago and I’m looking forward to continuing my development in this area over the next few weeks.“Neil Jenkins has been a massive influence on me throughout my career.
“He’s one of the best that there has ever been and I’ve been privileged to have learnt so much from him and I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“I’m still finalising my plans beyond the summer and hope to update more on that front soon. In the meantime, I can’t wait to get into camp and join up with Matt, the rest of the coaching team and squad next week.”
