Leigh Halfpenny linked with Crusaders ahead of Welsh finale

Leigh Halfpenny looks set to continue his rugby career in the southern hemisphere after he makes a final Wales appearance on Saturday.

The Wales full-back, who has won 101 caps, will bow out of international rugby following the Barbarians' Principality Stadium visit.

And New Zealand Super Rugby heavyweights Crusaders could be his next port of call.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland, after naming his team to face the Barbarians, dismissed speculation linking 34-year-old Halfpenny with a move to England or Japan, while confirming a southern hemisphere switch that would undoubtedly enhance his playing and coaching CV.

"Hopefully, he has got a big future ahead of him – it is an exciting challenge that he has been offered," Gatland said.

"He spoke to me a number of weeks ago about where he was going to go. The speculation about going to England and Japan was all rubbish.

"I just said that it would be brilliant for him in terms of what he wants to do next and his CV, having played in France and won championships there, having been successful for Wales and having a chance to go to the southern hemisphere as well.

"And maybe after that experience, coming back and doing some kicking and some skills work and maybe following a Neil Jenkins (Wales skills and kicking specialist) path in terms of getting into the coaching aspect.

"He has been one of those people who have set incredible standards and is a great example for younger players coming through in terms of that.

"He is not the biggest man in the world, but he has always given 100 per cent for that jersey and he is a proud Welshman."

Jac Morgan will captain a Wales XV containing 12 Rugby World Cup squad members, including four who started the quarter-final defeat against Argentina last