Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt has named iconic international Leigh Halfpenny in his coaching group for the summer tour to Japan.
Halfpenny is the latest Harlequin named in Sherratt’s ticket, following head coach Danny Wilson and scrum coach Adam Jones, and also joins Gethin Jenkins and T. Rhys Thomas on the wider staff.
Sherratt’s side will face Japan on a two-Test tour next month as they seek to end their run of 17 straight defeats.
Leigh Halfpenny drafted into Wales coaching staff for summer tour
The full-back, who made 11 appearances for Quins this season, is one of the greatest players to ever don the Welsh jersey, winning 101 caps for his country across his 15-year Test career. He also went on three British and Irish Lions tours between 2009 and 2017, and won Player of the Series on the 2013 tour of Australia.
He now joins Wales’ staff as skills coach, taking over from Neil Jenkins.
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Commenting on the news, Halfpenny said: “To be asked to work with the men’s national squad this summer is a huge honour and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.
“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.
“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.”
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Interim head coach Sherratt added: “It’s great to have Leigh complete the coaching team for our two-Tests this summer. 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.”
This move also comes amid heavy rumours Halfpenny is set for a switch to the French Pro D2 following his exit from the Stoop.
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