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Leigh Halfpenny will remain at Toulon next season following talks with the European champions.

Bernard Laporte, Toulon’s director of rugby, has confirmed the British Lions star will see-out the final year of his three-year contract at Stade Felix Mayol.

And that means turning down the chance to return to Wales with either former club Cardiff Blues or Scarlets.

Halfpenny was also offered a big money deal by Wasps but it is believed the prospect of being captured by Gatland's Law was a key factor in turning down a lucrative three-year deal.

He said: “I have spoken with Leigh and he will be here for next season. I told him I wanted him to stay and he agreed. It is good news.”

Halfpenny is understood to be eager to repay Toulon after seeing his second season at the club virtually wiped out by injury.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

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The 27-year-old is currently recovering from knee surgery after damaging cruciate ligaments ahead of last year’s World Cup.

The record-breaking Lions full-back is due to begin running next week and is due to meet with his surgeon in March with the aim of being given the all-clear to return to rugby that month.

(Image: Wales News Service Ltd.)

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That would see Halfpenny back in action for the ‘business end’ of the domestic and European season with Toulon as well as a potential tour of New Zealand with Wales.

He said: “Things are progressing according to plan. I’ve been doing a lot of strength and conditioning work on the leg with the aim of running soon. I’ve got an appointment with the surgeon in two months and hopefully he will sign me off.”

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