Leigh Halfpenny to leave Blues and join Toulon…

As revealed in The Rugby Paper by Peter Jackson on December 8, British & Irish Lions full back Leigh Halfpenny will leave the Cardiff Blues at end of the season to join Toulon.
It was one of the worst kept secret in world rugby but following new reports in the press today, the Welsh region confirmed his departure for the Cote d’Azur.
Halfpenny signed a two-year deal with another optional year believed to be worth £395,000 a season.
The 25-year-old has had a tremendous year on the Test scene in 2012 helping Wales retain their Six Nations crown before kicking the Lions to victory in Australia in the summer.
The Welsh region revealed in a statement that keeping the 48-times capped star at the Arms Park was their “highest priority” as they put their “best offer on the table” but they couldn’t compete with “a major European club with significant resources (Toulon)”
Halfpenny said: “Having taken time to consider every option in detail, I believe the decision to move to Toulon is the best decision for me and my continued development as a rugby player and as a person.
“I’m very excited about joining Toulon. They are an outstanding club, very ambitious, full of world class players and are the current European Champions so I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity to be part of that.
“I’m incredibly thankful to the WRU for their support. At this moment in time though I feel the decision to move to France is the best career opportunity for me personally as a professional rugby player.
“Toulon are fully supportive of my international desires and duties and I would like to thank them for this as it was an important factor in my decision.
“I’ll be incredibly sad to say goodbye to everyone at the Cardiff Blues, the fans, the squad and the staff.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have spent the last seven years there with great players and people and will always be a club that remains close to my heart. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there, made some lifelong friends. I can’t thank them enough for giving me the opportunity and for their continued support.
“As well as the rugby challenges, I’m looking forward to experiencing and embracing a new culture and learning a new language.  However until then I’m completely focused on performing for the Cardiff Blues and Wales.”
Holland said: “Retaining Leigh has been one of our highest priorities and we have done all we can in our power as a region and business to try and facilitate that.
“His outstanding performances for Blues, Wales and the Lions have made him one of the most prized players in world rugby. We put our very best offer on the table but he has been the target of a major European club with significant resources that we simply cannot compete with at this current time.
“Leigh has been a fantastic servant to the Blues and I know how hard a decision this has been for him. He has been presented with a tremendous opportunity to play overseas and feels this is the right move at this stage in his career. He will go with our very best wishes for success with his new club.
“Given the current uncertainty over the competitions the regions are playing in next season and revenues attached to that, it is understandable why players are looking elsewhere,” he added.
“The threat to Welsh rugby and our ability to keep top players in Wales is highlighted by the fact the French game is underpinned by broadcast revenues that dwarf anything we receive from our domestic league.
“We need to be able to compete and have meaningful competitions that will increase funding into Welsh rugby. It’s not surprising that Welsh players would choose the certainty of strong weekly French competitions over the uncertainty of the weekly club competition in Wales.
“The future of the game in Wales must be sorted out now – this situation simply cannot be allowed to continue.”
Director of Rugby Phil Davies added: “Leigh is one of the most professional and dedicated players I have ever worked with and a proven match winner. His mental strength sets him apart from others.
“His development from the age grade system through to international honours is testament the career pathway we have here at Blues and I look forward to seeing the next generation now follow his lead to the top of the game.
“We wish him all the very best for his career overseas from the end of this season. I know he will be determined to finish strongly with Blues and the door will also be open to his return.”