We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

Pallade Veneta - Halfpenny out of Six Nations opener due to injury

Halfpenny out of Six Nations opener due to injury

SPORTS 02.02.2023
Halfpenny out of Six Nations opener due to injury
Halfpenny out of Six Nations opener due to injury / Photo: Brian Lawless - POOL/AFP

Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Wales' Six Nations opener against Ireland on Saturday due to a back spasm.

Change text size:

The full-back was due to win his 98th cap in his first start for 19 months in the opening game of Warren Gatland's second spell in charge.

Halfpenny had overcome a serious knee injury to get himself back into contention for selection.

His replacement for the clash against the top-ranked side in the world at the Principality Stadium will be Cardiff's Liam Williams.

"Unfortunately, Leigh had a back spasm this morning and Liam will be playing," said Wales assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys. "I think it's more disappointing for him as a person. He is an unbelievable professional and an unbelievable person.

"He has got to pick himself up again. You feel for him that he's got to pull out at this late stage."

I.Saccomanno--PV

Featured

China's Yu, 13, wins third gold with latest Asian Games record

China's 13-year-old swimming sensation Yu Zidi completed a hat-trick of Asian Games golds on Wednesday with a dominant victory in the 400m individual medley, two years out from the Los Angeles Olympics.

Hadjar extends Red Bull contract for 2027 F1 season

Frenchman Isack Hadjar will continue to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2027 Formula One season, the team announced on Wednesday.

North Korea weightlifter sets three world records for Asian Games gold

North Korea's Ri Song Gum gave her country their first gold of the Asian Games on Wednesday in style, setting three world records in the women's 49kg class in Nagoya.

Badminton no.1 An tells dad to keep it down at Asian Games

Badminton world number one An Se-young had stern words for her watching father as her frustrations threatened to boil over in victory at the Asian Games in Japan on Wednesday.

Change text size: