Long-serving Wales back Leigh Halfpenny has announced that he will retire from international rugby after next month's match against Barbarians.
The 34-year-old has won 101 caps for his country, as well as playing in four Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
Halfpenny racked up 801 points for Wales during that time, placing him third behind only Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones in the country's all-time points-scorers list.
The former Scarlets full-back, who will continue playing at club level, also played a key role in the Lions' 2013 series triumph over Australia, breaking Jenkins's record for most points in a Lions Test series with 49, including 21 in the third and final Test - another Lions record.
Most recently, Halfpenny was part of the Wales side that was knocked out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup at the quarter-final stage by Argentina.
Diolch 🏴🏉 pic.twitter.com/hKZTuwbmFv
— Leigh Halfpenny (@LeighHalfpenny1) October 25, 2023
"Having had time to reflect after the Rugby World Cup campaign, it's with a heavy heart that I've decided that it's time for me to step away from international rugby," he said in a statement.
"The decision hasn't been easy, but the time feels right for me now and I look forward to running out one last time against the Barbarians next week at home.
"It's been such a huge honour and privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and represent my country over the past 15 years. It was a dream as a kid growing up playing for Gorseinon to one day play for Wales and I've made the most incredible memories.
"There's been ups and downs but I will look back on my international career with immense pride, there's no better feeling than running out to a full Principality Stadium wearing the Welsh jersey and singing the national anthem.
"I'm going to miss it, but I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I've had and to every single person who has helped me along the way. It's been unbelievable to play with such special people over the years and I will cherish the friendships I've made.
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"I'm excited about this group of players coming through for Wales and what they can achieve in the future. I'm looking forward to supporting the boys from the stands.
"Whilst I'll be moving on from the international game, I'm excited about the next chapter as a player in this game which has given me so much and look forward to sharing details on my club future soon. Diolch."
Halfpenny sits seventh in the list of all-time appearance-makers for Wales, with his tally of 101 caps also affected by a 19-month injury layoff due to a knee issue he sustained on his 100th international outing.
Primarily a full-back or winger, Halfpenny made his Wales debut at the age of just 19 against South Africa in November 2008 and went on to feature at the 2011, 2019 and 2023 World Cups for his country, only missing the 2015 tournament due to injury.
Halfpenny was also included in the 2009 Lions tour, only for injury to again force his withdrawal from that squad, before earning his Lions caps on the 2013 and 2017 tours.
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Wales head coach Warren Gatland paid tribute to a player who became a stalwart of his teams when fit, adding: "Leigh has had a fantastic career for Wales, firstly on the wing and then at 15 where he has been brilliant - probably the best defensive full-back in the world and a tremendous goal kicker.
"He's had his fair share of injury challenges over the years, but has never let that hold him back. If you are talking about role models in professional rugby, I don't think you could find someone that works harder than Leigh in terms of how he prepares. The analysis, training and recovery he has done time and again has been really impressive, he is the ultimate professional.
"I'd like to thank Leigh for all he has done for Welsh rugby and wish him all the best for the future, I know his family and friends will be incredibly proud of all he has achieved.
"I look forward to watching him take to the field at Principality Stadium one final time in a red jersey on November 4 and I hope everyone will join me in celebrating him and Alun Wyn Jones at this match."
In addition to serving as Halfpenny's international farewell, the November 4 game against Barbarians will also give Welsh fans a chance to wave off Alun Wyn Jones, the most-capped international player of all time.
Barney Corkhill
