**Rugby Stalwart Neil Jenkins Offers Heartfelt Support as Leigh Halfpenny Steps Into Coaching Role**
Welsh rugby is witnessing a symbolic changing of the guard this summer, as legendary figure Neil Jenkins steps aside for Leigh Halfpenny to join the national team’s coaching set-up for the tour of Japan. With Halfpenny’s transition from player to coach confirmed this week by the Welsh Rugby Union, tributes and good wishes have poured in—not least from Jenkins himself, who took to social media to share a touching message of encouragement for his protégé.
Halfpenny, whose playing contract with Harlequins recently concluded, is preparing to expand his coaching resume by taking up a special advisory position for Wales. This move comes at a time of significant change for the player, who is also reported to be heading to France to join Béziers later this year. Welsh rugby supporters will see Halfpenny working closely with head coach Matt Sherratt and a team consisting of defensive specialist Gethin Jenkins, scrum consultant Adam Jones, assistant forwards coach T. Rhys Thomas, and senior forwards coach Danny Wilson.
Neil Jenkins, affectionately known as “Jinx” among fans and within rugby circles, has been a constant presence alongside Wales head coach Warren Gatland for many years. However, with the coaching staff reshuffled and Jenkins staying home this summer, he reflected on his successor’s journey with evident pride. On Instagram, Jenkins posted a photo with Halfpenny and wrote simply: “Supporting my boy, always! Good luck for the summer tour son, very proud of you.”
The heartfelt message struck a chord with many in the Welsh rugby community. In the comments section, Halfpenny’s mother and wife responded with messages of love and support, and fans were quick to praise Jenkins’s class and generosity. One follower commented, “What a man you are for this post, Jinx,” while another noted, “Class is permanent, passing the baton on, thanks Neil and good luck Leigh.”
Jenkins and Halfpenny’s relationship extends back years, as the pair have worked side-by-side for the national team. Jenkins, renowned as one of rugby’s greatest kickers, has mentored Halfpenny, helping him develop into one of the game’s preeminent goalkickers. Their collaboration has been credited for Wales’s consistent performances in the kicking department, with Halfpenny regularly citing Jenkins as a key influence.
On the announcement of his new coaching role, Halfpenny expressed both gratitude and excitement. “To be asked to work with the men’s national squad this summer is a huge honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Halfpenny said. “I really enjoyed my experience coaching with the U20s a few years ago and I’m looking forward to continuing my development in this area over the next few weeks.”
He went on to pay tribute to Jenkins, stating, “Neil Jenkins has been a massive influence on me throughout my career. He’s one of the best that there has ever been and I’ve been privileged to have learnt so much from him. I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role.”
Halfpenny’s future beyond the summer is yet to be fully unveiled, but he confirmed he would soon share further details about his plans for the upcoming season. For now, his focus is firmly on making a successful start to his coaching career and contributing to the coaching set-up assembled by Sherratt.
This coaching transition signals more than just a personnel change; it represents Wales’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent both on and off the field. As Halfpenny steps into this new arena, buoyed by Jenkins’s endorsement and the goodwill of fans, all eyes will be on how he imparts his experience and knowledge to the national squad. With the baton passed between two genuine greats, the legacy of Welsh kicking appears to be in safe hands for the foreseeable future.