Halfpenny strongly linked to Toulon in Top 14

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has reportedly signed for Top 14 Rugby club and Heineken Cup champions Toulon for next season.

La Provence have reported that Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal and Halfpenny met in London and the Lions fullback has agreed to leave Cardiff Blues at the end of the season.

The report comes after months of speculation over where Halfpenny’s future lies and he has also been linked to Clermont Auvergne.

Toulon were thought to have signed James O’Connor but now he has indicated that he in interested in returning to Australia opening the door for Halfpenny.

Halfpenny is understood to have visited Toulon earlier in the year and according to the reports will join the Heineken Cup champions.

The Wales goal kicker would share the kicking duties with Jonny Wilkinson and Matt Giteau as well as Rory Kockott who has also been linked to Toulon.

Toulon already have Wales and Ospreys star Ian Evans in their squad.

Halfpenny’s departure from Welsh regional rugby comes after several of his international team mates have already left.

Mike Phillips, Jamie Roberts, Dan Lydiate and James Hook are already playing Top 14 Rugby and Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Rhys Priestland and Sam Warburton are all coming off contract and are expected to leave.