We haven’t spoken to Halfpenny, says Phillips
LEIGH Halfpenny is on the wanted list of the Welsh Rugby Union after leaving Toulon.
The Wales star was left in limbo after the French outfit withdrew the offer of a new contract following his decision to miss the Top 14 final – they lost to Clermont Auvergne – so he could travel to New Zealand with the Lions.
His unexpected availability could spark a rush for his prized signature, although some clubs in Europe have already spent their playing budgets for next season and have to adhere to stringient salary caps.
It’s believed Guinness Pro12 champions Scarlets and under-achieving English outfit Bath – the full-back is understood to have paid a visit to their training facilities – could be interested in acquiring the services of Halfpenny.
The WRU made the prolific goalkicker the “best offer” it could afford earlier this year in a bid to bring him home.
But Halfpenny decided to stay with Toulon after being offered a bumper deal to stay in the south of France, only for the money-laden club’s controversial owner Mourad Boudjellal to pull it earlier this month.
Cardiff Blues wanted Halfpenny to return to the Arms Park for next season and the WRU were ready to sign him on a National Dual Contract before being gazumped.
It’s believed the Blues and Dai Young’s beaten Aviva Premiership finalists Wasps, who both wanted him, have gone cold on Halfpenny, although that may be temporary.
WRU chief executive Phillips was pressed on Halfpenny when he yesterday out-lined the Dragons’ vision for the future and was measured in his response on whether the former Blues points-machine could be a showpiece signing by the WRU-owned Gwent region for next season.
“He’s one of our highest-profile players – more people follow Leigh on almost any form of social media than any other Welsh player. Of course you would want him in your (Welsh) setup,” replied Phillips.
But he claimed the WRU hadn’t spoken to Halfpenny about signing, maintaining: “The guy is in the middle of pretty intense Lions tour right now.”