Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny has signed a one-year contract to join the Crusaders, under new coach Rob Penney.
Just days after making his final appearance for his country against the Barbarians at Cardiff, Halfpenny has announced he's heading to New Zealand to join the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions.
"I’ve always watched Super Rugby and the Crusaders are the team I've always followed," he said. "I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world and I can't wait to meet everyone.
"Rob Penney and his team couldn't have been any more welcoming, and I feel hugely honoured to be joining them.
"I've always loved the time I've spent in New Zealand on tour. It's a passionate rugby nation and I've always been made to feel very much at home there.
"My family and I are very excited about the move."
Halfpenny last toured New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions in 2017, but also visited with Wales in 2010 and attended the 2011 World Cup.
In 2013, he played all three Lions tests against Australia, breaking team pointscoring records and earning Player of the Series honours.
Penney has replaced seven-time Super Rugby-winning coach Scott Robertson - promoted the All Blacks role - at the helm of the Christchurch team and faces some roster challenges, with All Blacks Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo'unga, Liecester Fainga'anuku and Jack Goodhue heading offshore.
Halfpenny will likely play alongside NZ internationals Will Jordan and Sevu Reece in the back three, with former All Black Ryan Crotty returning to shore up the midfield.
