Leigh Halfpenny becomes full-time kicking coach at Cardiff

Leigh Halfpenny, the legendary Wales and British & Irish Lions fullback, has officially joined Cardiff Rugby's coaching staff on a full-time basis. The appointment, confirmed on July 22, 2026, sees the 37-year-old transition permanently from the pitch to the sidelines at Cardiff Arms Park.

Halfpenny, who retired from playing in May after a final season as a player-coach with Cardiff, will serve as a kicking coach for the senior squad and as a skills coach within the club's academy. He recently completed a temporary role as a kicking consultant for the Wales senior men's squad during the first three rounds of the Nations Championship this summer.

In a statement, Halfpenny expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, saying he was thrilled to join the club on a full-time basis. He described Cardiff as a club that means a huge amount to him and said he enjoyed his transition from player to coach last season. He added that it was a huge honour to work with Wales again and that he looks forward to bringing that experience back to the club.

Cardiff head coach Corniel van Zyl praised Halfpenny's impact, noting that it was clear from last year's work that all of the team's kickers improved...