Halfpenny relishing Toulon debut
Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny said he was excited to be finally able to make his Toulon debut, following his switch from Cardiff Blues in the off-season.
The British and Irish Lions kicker has suffered a frustrating start to life in the south of France and even had to listen to club President Mourad Boudjellal threaten to tear up his contract over his injury problems.
But now the 25-year-old is ready to make his debut for former France coach Bernard Laporte's team.
"With the injury it's been frustrating," admitted Halfpenny.
"But we've got to the point now where I'm ready to play."
He added: "On Sunday, to put the Toulon jersey on, I'm very excited about it and playing my first game for Toulon."
Halfpenny has not played since dislocating his shoulder in Wales's Six Nations defeat by England in March and although that healed in time for the new season, a groin problem had prevented him from making his Top 14 bow.
But that will now come for the reigning French and European champions against Toulouse, the most decorated team both nationally and in Europe, on Sunday.
"Every time you take the field here you're under pressure to perform," said Halfpenny when asked if he felt extra pressure due to his delayed debut.
"I feel privileged and I can't wait to take to the field with the team and all the boys here at Toulon."
Halfpenny was named man of the series in the Lions tour to Australia last year and was one of the hottest properties in European rugby when Toulon snapped up his signature in the off-season.
He is expected to take over kicking duties, just as he does for both Wales and the Lions.
Source: AFP
