LeighHalfpenny

Leigh Halfpenny rose to global prominence when he was named player of the 2013 series, playing a major role in the victorious British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.

His metronomic goal kicking racked up the most-ever points for the Lions in a three-Test series and he also broke the record for most points in a single Test.

Including the Tour matches, the Welshman made six appearances amassing 114 points.

That was Halfpenny’s second Lions experience, having been to South Africa in 2009 at just 20 years of age when a thigh injury cut short his Tour.

However, it was a very different touring experience four years later with his spectacular showings Down Under.

By the time the 2013 Tour to Australia came around, Halfpenny had established himself as the premier full-back in the northern hemisphere.

He was a key part of the Wales side that won the Grand Slam in 2012 and the Championship a year later – winning player of the tournament in the latter.

And on the Lions Tour he was supreme in the No 15 jersey – made famous by his Welsh compatriot JPR Williams before him.

Formerly of Cardiff Blues, his performances on the Tour earned him a move to French powerhouses Toulon, taking over kicking duties from Lions and England great Jonny Wilkinson – who retired at the end of the 2013-14 season.

That first season on the south coast of France saw Halfpenny steer his new employers to their third successive European title.

He was imperious once again from the tee, showing ice-cool blood runs through his veins as he notched up 14 points to see Toulon lift the Champions Cup after beating rivals ASM Clermont Auvergne 24-18.

Despite missing the 2015 Rugby World Cup through injury just after that success, Halfpenny has shown in recent times he is as valuable as ever in a Wales jersey – starting every one of their autumn international and RBS 6 Nations clashes this season.