Shane Williams: Leigh needs future sorted double fast

I really feel for Leigh Halfpenny. What a situation he’s in. To be without a club at this stage isn’t ideal at all with the new season already around the corner.
It will be a stressful time and knowing Leigh as a friend, I’m sure it will be getting to him. As a player, you want to know where you’ll be a few months before things get going. Leigh has been hard done by Toulon.
He’s had the rug pulled from underneath him while he’s 12,000 miles away with the Lions and that can’t be a nice feeling. The question is, what is he going to do now? The most important thing to note is that Leigh is a world-class player, a brilliant goal kicker and someone who would be a huge asset to any team. I’m sure he’ll get picked up.
Three points are so important in rugby now and that’s why Leigh will always be a coveted man. If I’m honest, I’m gutted he won’t be playing in Wales next season. I’d have liked to have seen him back here with any of the regions, but we won’t be able to afford him now and that’s a shame.
Now it looks like England is the only option. The question is where?
I’m not sure how many teams at this stage will have serious cash to spend on a full-back and that could mean Leigh is forced to take a significantly reduced contract compared to the one he was on with Toulon. Of course it’s not all about money, it’s about the rugby proposition too and Leigh needs to find the right one as soon as possible.
I think Wasps or Bath would be a good fit, but of course that opens up further questions about his availability for Wales. I’m good mates with Leigh and I do know that wherever he goes, he won’t sacrifice his international place. Playing for Wales means more to him than anything.
I’m not too worried about Leigh being available in November.
He’ll enjoy a good rest now and whatever people say about so-called Gatland‘s Law, I’m still not sure people totally understand it! It’s a bit of a mess and while it would be nice for Leigh to be in Wales this season, that’s not the reality. The challenge for him and his agent now is to get somewhere sorted as soon as possible because the clock is ticking. A world-class talent like Leigh needs to be playing at the highest level and he faces a big season ahead after missing out on the Test full-back position with the Lions.
Leigh will be back to his best soon enough, but he can’t do that without somewhere to play. Let’s hope the situation is resolved as quickly as possible.