Halfpenny targets the 'ultimate goal'
Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:08
Pumped up: Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny
Exciting Wales and Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny has already set his sights on securing a starting spot in the British and Irish Lions test side when the famous party travels to Australia in 2013.
The 20 year-old Welshman had an injury interrupted adventure with the Lions in South Africa in 2009 but insists that his brief taste of Lions rugby has left a big impression on him.
Having forced his way into the Wales national team with a string of impressive performances for Cardiff, Halfpenny was named in Ian McGeechan's squad to tour South Africa despite having just six test caps to his name.
After just one appearance though he was forced to return home to receive treatment for a thigh strain he aggravated in the clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Speaking to the BBC, Halfpenny made no secret about the fact that he is aiming to play a big part for the Lions when they tackle the Wallabies in four years time.
"It's [touring Australia in 2013] got to be a goal, an ultimate goal now to pull on that [Test] jersey more than once," he said.
"I wasn't out there [in South Africa] long and it was the best two weeks of my life, just incredible playing and training with players that I've looked up to since I was a young age.
"It was just a dream come true that I've managed to put on the Lions jersey.
He continued: "Every [British Isles] rugby player's dream is to play in a Test for the Lions. I've had a taste of it so I want another bite of the cherry."