It was a tense moment for the Wales full-back and his entire family, but it all turned out well
In one of the most iconic British and Irish Lions announcement videos ever, Leigh Halfpenny’s heartwarming family moment has gone viral on social media once again.
It came prior to the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand, where Wales legend Sam Warburton captained the side to a famous series draw against the All Blacks. Halfpenny had won the ‘Man of the Series’ award for stunning displays in Australia four years earlier, but this time around things were less certain as he was anxiously filmed watching the announcement live on TV in the company of his entire family.
The legendary full-back faced stiff competition, and like all other players, no one finds out until the announcement is made on the TV – a revered tradition honoured to this day. When the class of 2025 are revealed, it will be exactly the same process. 25% OFF DEAL: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Footage from the Halfpenny household shows the former Scarlets full-back surrounded by his family as they wait. The names of the backs are revealed in alphabetical order, with family members exchanging nervous looks as the names of Dan Biggar, Elliot Dally, Jonathan Davies and Owen Farrell are spoken. Once his name is revealed, the emotional Halfpenny family jump to their feet surrounding him in a group hug, making for a touching moment.
The footage has been posted again by the Lions ahead of the upcoming tour, picking up 2.6 million views on Instagram and TikTok. Check out the footage below.
Halfpenny would go on to play four times for the Lions during that tour, knocking over 31 points. He appeared off the bench in the first Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park, where he gathered 11 points from the tee. He earned his ninth appearance for the Lions against Maori All Blacks, with another strong display.
The Welsh icon was playing for Toulon in France at the time, and shortly after the 2017 Lions tour it was revealed that he had signed a dual contract with Scarlets and Wales to return home. Since then, he spent a season at Crusaders in Super Rugby and is now playing for Harlequins in the English Premiership.
Halfpenny retired from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, and he enjoyed a send-off at the Principality Stadium in a game against the Barbarians alongside Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric. The 2025 Lions squad will be announced on May 8.
