Leigh Halfpenny returns to action

Cardiff Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny is set to return to action for the Blues this Friday when they take on the Northampton Saints at the Cardiff City Stadium, 7.30pm kick off.

Halfpenny, had a phenomenal 2008/09 season that saw him establish himself in the Cardiff Blues squad and gain selection for Wales and the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

He originally assembled with the Lions at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Surrey, but was forced to return home for intensive treatment to an injured quad muscle. Having worked hard in rehabilitation Halfpenny was given the all clear to fly out to join the rest of the Lions squad and made his Lions debut against the Cheetahs on Saturday 6th June.

However, Leigh suffered an injury in training to his right thigh muscle that cut short his tour.

Speaking ahead of the game Leigh said,

"I'm really looking forward to getting back on the pitch. I was really pleased with the way my season went last year."

"To play regularly for the Blues was great and being selected for Wales and the Lions was a dream come true."

"It was frustrating to pick up the injury and not being able to play more matches in South Africa, but I am young and hopefully my chance will come again."

"I'm looking forward to playing at the new ground, the surface looks great and is ideal for open rugby which hopefully will be good for the wingers."

The squad for the Northampton saints match will be announced on Thursday morning.