A humble hero who never knew how good he wasImage source, Getty Images/Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Leigh Halfpenny played for Cardiff, Scarlets, Toulon, Crusaders, Harlequins, Wales and the British and Irish LionsByGareth Rhys OwenScrum V podcast presenter and commentatorPublished54 minutes agoIt’s not often BBC Radio 1 come to the Scrum V desk looking for help lining up a guest.But news of Leigh Halfpenny’s retirement at the end of this season has attracted widespread, and deserved, attention and acclaim.Second in the 2013 BBC Sports Personality of the Year behind Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, he was a British and Irish Lion whose appeal stretched way beyond the traditional image of a rugby player – youthful, almost boyband in look, he had a reach few in the game ever manage.Halfpenny would have baulked at that description.No ego. No noise. Just a quiet, consistent excellence that defined his 20-year career. Now fittingly, a quiet confirmation that he will retire at the end of the season aged 37.Because this is more than just another retirement.Best defensive full-back the game has ever seenBack in 2008, a Wales Under-20s side went deep into the Junior World Championship and hinted at what was coming. Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Jonathan Davies and Halfpenny were in that side.Grand Slams, titles and World Cup semi-finals. For a time, the best team in the world.One by one, they’ve gone. Halfpenny is the last.The numbers are strong. Some 101 caps, 801 points – third behind Neil Jenkins and Stephen Jones – but they don’t quite explain him.He was unassuming, almost bashful, and the last person looking for credit.Yet the one everyone trusted.Nobody has a bad word to say about him. In this game, that’s rare.His former Wales coach Warren Gatland called him the best defensive full-back the game has seen. At his peak, especially with the British & Irish Lions in 2013, he was probably the best full-back. Full stop.Wales great Halfpenny to retire from rugby
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