Leigh Halfpenny: Wales full-back ruled out of summer Tests with knee ligament injury
Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny suffered knee ligament damage against Canada and will require surgery and further tests to determine long-term prognosis; Newport-born utility back Aneurin Owen replaces him in squad
Tuesday 6 July 2021 16:34, UK
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out of Wales' summer Tests after sustaining a knee ligament injury against Canada on Saturday, the Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed.
The 32-year-old Scarlets player went down inside the first minute of his team's 68-12 victory in what was his 100th Test appearance and his 96th for Wales.
The WRU says Halfpenny will require surgery with further assessments to determine his long-term prognosis and management.
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Halfpenny left the pitch on a stretcher cart, with Wales moving wing Jonah Holmes to full-back as they ran in 10 tries in front of a first home crowd since February last year.
The Scarlets player said he had "mixed emotions" after his 100th Test appearance was marred by injury.
He said on Twitter: "Mixed emotions right now, not how I hoped it would go but a special day running out for my country to play my 100th international test.
"It's always a huge honour to put on the Wales and Lions jerseys and have had some incredible memories in both, which I feel extremely grateful for.
"It was extra special to have our home fans and my family back in the stands and congratulations to all the new caps. Thank you for all the kind messages"
Newport-born utility back Aneurin Owen, who has been training with the squad, has been officially added as Halfpenny's replacement.
Wales host Argentina in Cardiff on the next two weekends.
