Given the growing popularity of rugby around the world outside of Australia and the financial might of the Top 14, the days when rugby writers around the globe are writing a stream of 'Transfer Swoops' and 'Player Plus Cash Blockbusters' might not be too far away. Fresh off being the man of the series for a victorious Lions team, Leigh Halfpenny is an ideal candidate for some juicy gossip, with his contract running out at the end 2013/14 season.
The London Independent reveal 'Clermont Auvergne have tracked Halfpenny as successor to Lee Byrne for the past year while Top 14 rivals European champions Toulon and big-spending Racing Métro 92 are also lining up offers.' Cardiff chief executive Richard Holland flew to Australia to open talks with Halfpenny to keep the Welsh full-back beyond next season, in what is known in gossip parlance as a 'last-ditch plea'. We're already look forward to a bright future of headlines such as 'Sexton Spotted In Gatwick airport' and 'Toulon Dangle Healy Bait'.
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
