Halfpenny winning fitness battle

Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny looks on course to link up with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa during the next week.

Halfpenny has remained in Wales to undergo intensive treatment on a thigh injury that meant he did not fly out with the Lions four days ago.

But he has made excellent progress working with Cardiff Blues’ medical team, and he could be operating at full throttle again within the next couple of days.

Blues physiotherapist Tim Atter said: “We are happy with the progress Leigh has made since returning to us.

“He is running hard and is up to 80%, and over the next two days we hope to get him back to full pace.

“We have worked mainly on strengthening and conditioning, and Leigh has also done some light kicking.

“Hopefully, he can fly out to meet up with the rest of the Lions on the weekend or early next week.

“Leigh himself has been really positive and worked exceptionally hard – he is determined to get on the tour.”

Halfpenny was among a handful of players involved in a disrupted Lions build-up before they left for South Africa.

But it now appears he is firmly on course to take his place with the Lions squad and continue a season that has seen him flourish for both Wales and the Blues.