LEIGH MAKING BIG IMPRESSION
LEIGH Halfpenny has been loving New Zealand life since arriving in Christchurch last week, and has been staying at an ex-coach’s house.
The former Scarlet has signed with Super Rugby outfit Crusaders, and along with fellow Wales international Rhys Patchell, he will become the first Wales player to play New Zealand club rugby.
Speaking with his new team, Halfpenny did a collaborative Instagram post with the Crusaders, where he explained how things have been going so far:
“It’s been awesome coming to Rugby Park and meeting everyone here, the players, the staff, everyone.
“They’ve been really welcoming and friendly.
“It’s been great to have a look around and look at the city. There’s some really good spots, with cafes and restaurants.
“Rhys Patchell, who has signed with the Highlanders, hoping to catch up with him.
“We’ve been staying with Brad and Anna Mooar, who’ve been amazing since we’ve arrived and allowed us to stay at their place.
“They’ve just been showing us around the place and telling us spots to go and see.
“Brad obviously coached here, and coached Rhys and I at the Scarlets so it’ll be great to catch up with them again as well at some stage.”
Halfpenny trained with R7 Fitness head honcho Steve Raikes in Gorseinon before heading overseas. Raikes was blown away by his attention to detail.
The Super Rugby season doesn’t start until 2024, and it will kick off in style with a huge match-up between Halfpenny’s Crusaders and Chiefs on February 23 – the very same day Wales face Ireland in the Six Nations.