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Andrew Matthews

Leigh Halfpenny reportedly set to stay in Toulon despite English link

Staying put will also help Warren Gatland deal with his wildcard selection dilemmas.

WALES FULLBACK LEIGH Halfpenny has reportedly opted to resist the temptation to return to England or Wales and will instead spend a third year in Toulon.

The expert goal-kicker has experienced a torrid time with injuries since moving to France and had been strongly linked with a move to Premiership club Wasps and even a possible return to Wales.

However, today Wales Online’s Simon Thomas and Le Figaro both report that the 27-year-old will commit to the third year option in his contract with Paul O’Connell and Co.

That state of affairs means that Halfpenny will continue to escape ‘Gatland’s Law’ which limits the national team coach to two wildcard selections from players who ply their trade outside of the Welsh Regions. Because Halfpenny’s move to Toulon was signed before the self-imposed WRU rule, the existing contract is exempt.

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Sean Farrell
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