Toulon may axe Halfpenny

Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal has made a shock claim that he may terminate Leigh Halfpenny’s contract following continuous injuries to the Welshman.

The Welsh star has not played for the club since his summer move because of an on-going groin injury and also missed the end of last season with a shoulder injury.

Boudjellal was quoted in French newspaper, Varmatin, as saying:

"Today, we must address this issue because we need a world class goalkicker. We’re awaiting the medical update.

"It would have been another two or three weeks. But the problem that we have now is that we think he may have arrived at Toulon with that injury. Now we have the impression that yes, he was injured when he signed for Toulon.

"If this is the case, we haven’t ruled out terminating his contract," he said

According to Wales Online, Halfpenny could undergo surgery to rectify the problem which seems to have prompted Boudjellal to change his stances on the player's future.

"We pay enough for players [when they’re away with their national teams]. We don’t feel like preparing Halfpenny for Wales just for the Rugby World Cup.

"We're conducting an investigation. I will know the whys and hows this week," he added.

Halfpenny moved to France from Cardiff Blues but as yet he has endured an unhappy spell at the European champions.

If Boudjellal follows through with his threat, Halfpenny would be in line for a dual contract with the WRU and a possible return to the Blues.

Boudjellal has also summoned Bryan Habana and Bakkies Botha to return to their club.

Source: Wales Online