Leigh Halfpenny has written a humble message of thanks to his fiancée, fans and the medics who helped save his rugby career.
The 33-year-old finally made his return to the sport last weekend, playing for the Scarlets more than 400 days after suffering a horror knee injury on Wales duty.
Despite his age and the seriousness of the situation, the full-back has undergone a painstaking rehabilitation, throwing everything at it in the hope of continuing his career at the highest level. On Saturday he got his reward, starting for the Welsh region against Benetton in Treviso. The hope is he can now rediscover some of his best form and force his way back into the Wales squad.
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Saving special mention for fiancée Jess, the mother of his two daughters, Halfpenny wrote: "Grateful to be back out on the field alongside the boys doing what I love! It means so much and made even more special having my girls there in the stand.
"Hard to put into words how challenging the last 15 months have been and how grateful I am to all those who have played an important part to get me where I am today. Huge thanks to my surgeon, the medical, S&C and support staff of @scarlets_rugby and @welshrugbyunion , you’ve all been incredible.
"I couldn’t have done it without the support from my family and friends, thank you for everything, and lastly my fiancé @jesstum - Thank you for picking me up when I’ve needed it and giving me constant encouragement, I know it’s been tough on you too and I’m incredibly lucky to have you and the girls by my side ❤️."
"Thanks for all the messages of support, I really appreciate it. Looking forward to the rest of the season."
Welsh rugby fans looked on in horror in the summer of 2021 as Halfpenny left the pitch in agony and tears on the day of his 100th international cap against Canada.
For his return in Italy, he was accompanied by fiancée Jess, who he proposed to in June, and daughters Lily and Nora.
Halfpenny has kept busy for the past 15 months by honing his skills as a coach. Three years ago, with the likes of Justin Tipuric, James Hook and Bradley Davies, he was one of 10 players selected for the Welsh Rugby Union’s player to coach programme, an initiative which has gone from strength to strength.
He has helped out Wales U20s and, at the Scarlets, his presence is a major plus for many of the young players coming through.
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