Former international Leigh Halfpenny will join the Wales coaching team for the two-Test matches against Japan this July.
With 101 caps for Wales, three Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams and sitting third on the all-time men’s points list with 801, Halfpenny comes in as a skills coach for the summer Test series having had a similar role with Wales U20s back in 2022.
Halfpenny will work alongside head coach Matt Sherratt, defence coach Gethin Jenkins, scrum consultant Adam Jones, assistant forwards coach T. Rhys Thomas and forwards coach Danny Wilson.
Sherratt said: “It’s great to have Leigh complete the coaching team for our two-Tests this summer. For him to pass on his knowledge and experience to our young backs will be brilliant.
“With three weeks until we arrive in Japan, we’re excited to get together and maximise our preparation with the squad.”
Halfpenny added: “To be asked to work with the men’s national squad this summer is a huge honour and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.
“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.
“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 and I hope I can take that knowledge forward into this role.
“I’m still finalising my plans beyond the summer and hope to update more on that front soon. In the meantime, I can’t wait to get into camp and join up with Matt, the rest of the coaching team and squad next week.”