Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny had the perfect send-off for retiring following a 49-26 victory over the Barbarians at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on the 4th of November 2023.
Halfpenny converted five tries and received a standing ovation from the crowd when substituted by Kieran Hardy in the 65th minute.
He is confirmed to be making the move to Super Rugby champions the Crusaders, on a one-year deal.
In addition to Leigh Halfpenny, crowds also said farewell to Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn Jones, who received 158 caps for Wales and 12 Tests for the Lions, making him world rugby’s most capped player.
Wales head coach Gatland said, “For the three of them, to have that game here in the stadium was incredibly special, I thought the crowd were amazing in recognising that as well”.
Shortly before the game kicked off , Fiji international Api Ratuniyarawa, who was due to play for the Barbarians, was revealed to be in court after being charged with sexual assault. The 37-year-old was released on bail and is set to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on the 4th of December.
During the game, hooker Dewi Lake, wing Tom Rogers and fl y-half Sam Costelow crossed for Wales in the first half, with Simione Kuruvoli touching down for the Barbarians. The hosts secured a 21-5 lead during the first half.
Taine Plumtree scored a fourth try for Wales after half-time, followed by Aaron Wainwright and Kieran Hardy.
In the second half, an early cross from Jones secured Wales a two-point lead, with Nicolas Sanchez adding a conversion to double.
Replacements Taine Plumtree, Aaro Wainwright and Hardy claimed second-half touchdowns for Wales, with Halfpenny and Cai Evans adding two conversions each.
Tom Hooper also scored a try for the Barbarians.
Commenting on the teams’ match performance, Gartland stated, “To score 49 points, you’ve got to be pretty happy. We probably left a few out there in the first half, with some of the opportunities created.”
“I am pleased where we are, I am pleased with this group of players” he added.