Leigh Halfpenny will join the Wales coaching team for this summer’s inaugural Nations Championship. Wales play away matches against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa, starting this Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium.
For the next three weeks, the former fullback who retired at the end of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season with Cardiff will again work alongside Matt Sherratt, who is now Wales attack coach, having been interim kicking coach last summer.
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He was part of the Wales coaching team last summer that ended an 18-Test losing streak in Kobe, following Wales’s 31-22 win against Japan in a two-Test series.
He won 101 caps for Wales, three Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams and sits third on the all-time men’s points list with 801; he has also coached with Wales U20s back in 2022.
On the announcement, Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: “I’m pleased that Leigh is able to join the coaching team for our three Nations Championship games this July.
“His playing record speaks for itself, and it’s great to have him on board as he continues to develop his coaching career. Our young backs will benefit a huge amount from the knowledge and experience that Leigh has to share.”
Halfpenny added: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to work with the men’s national squad again this summer and an exciting opportunity to be part of Steve’s coaching team in the first-ever Nations Championship.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Japan last year, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the group and continuing my development as a coach over the next few weeks.”
WRU Director of Rugby and Elite Performance Dave Reddin said: “As Leigh continues his journey from outstanding player to high-potential coach, I’m delighted he is able to join Steve’s team this July and continue his development.”
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