Leigh Halfpenny told: Move to France will hurt career

Leigh Halfpenny has been warned about paying ‘a massive price’ for moving to France, even it makes him the highest paid player in Europe.
Cardiff Blues owner Peter Thomas has advised the Lion that a transfer into the French Top 14 will be injurious to the player’s international health.
Thomas hopes to convince Halfpenny that staying in Cardiff will guarantee him the loving care to continue flourishing in on the national stage with Wales. The same argument is being to Lions captain Sam Warburton, like Halfpenny out of contract next summer.
“The business model in Wales cannot afford the sort of figures being bandied about by some French clubs,” Thomas said.  “But they realise that if they do go, there will be a massive price to pay.
“Look at Dan Lydiate. He will have played six matches for Racing before Leigh or Sam play one.   Come the autumn internationals, the Welsh-based players will be in a far better physical condition.
“Their careers will be longer by staying in Wales.   There will also be lots of commercial opportunities because they are recognised wherever they go, unlike the centre of Paris where you could be any Tom, Dick or Harry.
“Leigh and Sam are as iconic in Wales as Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are in New Zealand. They will be playing in the next World Cup because they’ve been looked after.
“We’ve got to do the same with our very best players and they know what’s at stake at the World Cup in two year’s time.”
Thomas is not surprised at the cross-Channel claim that Halfpenny’s price will run to seven-figures. “If that’s what Leigh’s worth, well done him,” Thomas said.
“But I am optimistic that between us, the player, the Blues and the Welsh Rugby Union, we will find a solution.”
The Blues, of course, failed to prevent Jamie Roberts leaving at the end of last season in a move to Racing which more than doubled his salary. Thomas argues that Halfpenny is a different case.
“Jamie wanted to go,” he said. “It wasn’t only the money. He wanted a lifestyle change.”
PETER JACKSON