Prince William honored Welsh rugby player Leigh Halfpenny after the athlete announced his plans to retire
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Halfpenny, who began his professional career in 2008, will retire at the end of this season
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The royal celebrated Halfpenny's "outstanding career" and said he "embodied courage, professionalism and humility" in a post shared to the official The Prince and Princess of Wales X account
Prince Williamis celebrating the career of one of rugby's most legendary players after the athlete announced his plans to retire.
The Prince of Wales, 43, honored Welsh rugby player Leigh Halfpenny in apost on Xon Thursday, May 7, after Halfpenny, 37, announced that he would end his years-long rugby career after making his professional debut back in 2008.
"Congratulations to Leigh Halfpenny on an outstanding career representing Wales and the British & Irish Lions," William wrote. "A player who embodied courage, professionalism and humility throughout every chapter of the game. Your dedication to Welsh rugby has inspired so many, and your achievements will long be remembered. Wishing you all the best for the future."
He signed the message, which was posted to the official The Prince and Princess of Wales X account, with his first initial, W.
Halfpenny announced his international retirement in October 2023, and recently shared that he will retire from Wales at the end of the season. The team has a special place in Prince William's heart; he has served as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016.
The royal recentlyattended Wales' Six Nations rugby matchagainst Italy in March, where he was seen singing in Welsh to cheer on his team.
The Six Nations Championship is one of rugby’s most prestigious competitions, and Wales has won the second-most championships in Six Nations history. The team has secured 28 victories, behind only England.
Prince William supported his team during the March 14 match from the stands of Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
While William is patron of Welsh rugby, his wife,Kate Middleton, is patron of the Rugby Football Union in England, making for afriendly rivalrybetween the spouses. The Princess of Wales took on her patronage in February 2022.
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She was appointed patron after assuming the duty fromPrince Harry, whose former royal role was reassigned after he and wifeMeghan Marklestepped back from their duties as working royals and moved to the U.S.
Prince William's Thursday post isn't the only time he's used his official social media accounts to discuss major news in British sports. In June 2024, the princepaid tributeon social media to rugby player Rob Burrow after he died following a diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease.
"A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart," William wrote on X at the time. "He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy. W"
And in December 2025, the princecelebrated an "incredible game"after Argentina's Emi Buendía scored a winning goal in a football match against Arsenal. He wrote on X, "Surely Emi Buendia for man of the match @footballontnt ?! An incredible game! UTV! W"
More recently, William and Kateposted a joint messageto X timed to the Women’s Six Nations tournament, writing that they were "wishing all the players and support staff the best of luck! 🏴🏴."
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The love for rugby has extended to the couple's children, too.Prince George, 12,Princess Charlotte, 11, andPrince Louis, 8, have all developed a passion for the sport.
William once joked that his household's rivalry over rugby had become “quite the thing,” but said he was “trying to stay out of it,” according toThe Sunday Times.
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