Wales Appoint Leigh Halfpenny Skills Coach for Japan Tour

Leigh Halfpenny, a Wales rugby legend with 101 caps and third on the all-time points list, has been appointed as the skills and kicking coach for Wales' upcoming two-Test tour of Japan under interim head coach Matt Sherratt. He replaces Neil Jenkins, who had held the kicking coach role for nearly 20 years and has been a significant influence on Halfpenny's career. Halfpenny previously gained coaching experience with the Wales U20s and expressed his honor and excitement about working with the senior national squad. The coaching team also includes Gethin Jenkins (defense), Danny Wilson (forwards), Adam Jones (scrum), and Rhys Thomas (forwards). Wales are aiming to break a record run of 17 consecutive Test defeats during the Japan tour, with matches scheduled in Kitakyushu and Kobe in early July. Halfpenny, who recently left Harlequins and may join French side Beziers next season, will begin his coaching duties full-time ahead of the tour.