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The humble Welsh great who never knew how good he was
TL;DR
Leigh Halfpenny, a celebrated Welsh rugby player, was a key figure for Cardiff, Scarlets, and the British and Irish Lions. Despite his success, he remained humble and unaware of his own greatness.
Key points
- Leigh Halfpenny played for multiple rugby teams
- He was second in BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2013
- Halfpenny had a broad appeal beyond traditional rugby players
- He is recognized as a British and Irish Lion
Leigh HalfpennyCardiffScarletsToulon
Leigh Halfpenny played for Cardiff, Scarlets, Toulon, Crusaders, Harlequins, Wales and the British and Irish Lions [Getty Images/Huw Evans Picture Agency]
It's not often BBC Radio 1 come through the Scrum V desk looking for help lining up a guest.
But at his peak, Leigh Halfpenny was that player.
Second in BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2013 behind Andy Murray, a British and Irish Lion, and with an appeal that stretched well beyond the traditional image of a rugby player, youthful, almost boyband in look, he had a reach few in the game ever manage.
He would have baulked at the idea.
No ego. No noise. Just a quiet, consistent excellence that defined his career. Now fittingly, a quiet confirmation that he will retire at the end of the season.
Because this is more than just another retirement.
When Halfpenny was best in the world
Back in 2008, a Wales Under-20s side went deep into the Junior World Championship and hinted at what was coming. Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Davies and Halfpenny were in that side.
Grand Slams. Titles. World Cup semi-finals. For a time, the best team in the world.
One by one, they've gone. Halfpenny is the last.
The numbers are strong. Some 101 caps, 801 points, third behind Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones. But they don't quite explain him.
He was unassuming. Almost bashful. The last person looking for credit.
Yet the one everyone trusted.
Nobody has a bad word to say about him. In this game, that's rare.
Warren Gatland called him the best defensive full-back the game has seen. At his peak, especially with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, he was probably the best full-back. Full stop.
Attention to detail was what set Halfpenny apart
What set him apart was the work.
A perfectionist. Obsessive about detail. As committed to his craft as anyone in the professional era.
Q&A
What teams did Leigh Halfpenny play for during his rugby career?
Leigh Halfpenny played for Cardiff, Scarlets, Toulon, Crusaders, Harlequins, Wales, and the British and Irish Lions.
What recognition did Leigh Halfpenny receive in 2013?
In 2013, Leigh Halfpenny was the runner-up for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing second to Andy Murray.
How did Leigh Halfpenny's appeal extend beyond rugby?
Leigh Halfpenny's youthful appearance and charisma gave him an appeal that reached beyond the traditional image of rugby players.
Why is Leigh Halfpenny considered a great player in rugby?
Leigh Halfpenny is considered a great player due to his significant contributions to his teams and his recognition as a British and Irish Lion.