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Chairman Peter Thomas says he is “massively hopeful” that Leigh Halfpenny will be a Cardiff Blues player next season.

Thomas insists the Blues are the only region former Arms Park favourite Halfpenny will join if he decides to come home to Wales from Toulon despite reported interest from the Scarlets.

And he says he is expecting the Lions full-back to make a final decision on his future in a matter of weeks, if not days.

It’s understood the Blues, in conjunction with the WRU, have tabled an offer of close on £400,000-a-year to Halfpenny, who would rejoin them on a National Dual Contract.

Toulon are reported to have offered him a hugely lucrative contract extension, with figures of around £750,000-a-year being bandied about.

But Thomas says once you add in commercial endorsements, the 28-year-old goal-kicking ace would be very well paid in Wales, while he would also be looked after, thereby prolonging his career.

Halfpenny is out of contract at the end of this season, having joined Toulon from the Blues in the summer of 2014.

If he stays in France, he would have to rely on being selected as one of four wildcards in order to play for Wales, under the terms of Gatland’s Law.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

“I am massively hopeful that he will be a Blues player next season,” said Thomas.

“I spoke to him recently. It’s obviously a huge decision. I don’t think it will just come down to finance.

“He’s had three years out there now. That’s longer than most and I think he will come back.

“And if he comes back to Wales, it will only be to here.

“It will be on a National Dual Contract. The WRU have been so helpful in this in getting to where we are.

“I think that’s a sign of the trust and closeness of our relationship.

“Within a matter of weeks or days even, a decision will be made by Leigh.

“I would like to feel that he is going to come back to Wales.

“When you add up what you an get with a NDC and for playing for Wales and endorsements, Leigh Halfpenny would be able to earn a lot of money over here.

“And he would be looked after, that’s the main thing. He’s 28 now and he’s potentially got another two Lions tours ahead of him. He could do that by being over here.

“I think he’s sensible enough to realise that and I think that could be one of the determining factors.”

Thomas is a huge admirer of the 66-cap Halfpenny, who spent seven years with the Blues before heading for France.

“I watched him play a couple of nights ago against Racing 92 and I thought he was incredible,” he said.

“It wasn’t only in his gift as a kicker, but his cover of the field, his awareness, his astuteness, his determination, his skill.

“It would be fantastic to see him back home in the colours of Cardiff Blues once again.”