Halfpenny tellsToulon to sign off on a new deal or see him depart

LEIGH Halfpenny has handed Toulon an unequivocal contract ultimatum, telling the three-times European champions his new deal needs to be signed and sealed before he heads off to New Zealand with the Lions.

If there are further delays to a saga that has dragged on for months, the 71-cap Wales full-back will depart the Cote d'Azur.

Halfpenny has grown fed up with Toulon dragging their heels over his proposed new package.

He had been in negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues over the possibility of a return to the Arms Park but the mooted £420,000-a-year deal fell through over the length of his dual contract.

Toulon are reported to have discussed an arrangement that would see Halfpenny rake in £750,000 a season.

The proposal is thought to be for a year with the option to stay for another season.

But despite lots of honeyed words, no contract has yet been put in front of Halfpenny to sign and the man of the Australia v Lions series in 2013 is growing impatient.

A number of Aviva Premiership clubs are said to be monitoring his situation, with Wasps among those linked to him before Christmas.

Halfpenny revealed only this month how he had seen a softer side to Toulon owner Mourad Boujellal during contract negotiations a year ago.

Talks appeared to be proceeding well this time, too, but they have been drawn out to the point where the Gorseinon product has had enough.

“Leigh is happy at Toulon, but he is not happy with the way his negotiations have been going,” said a source close to the player.

“He wants this done before he leaves next week with the Lions or he will look for another club.

“It has gone on long enough.”