Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has announced that he is joining Toulon next season.

The 25-year-old has been at Cardiff Blues since 2008 and was on the five man shortlist for IRB Player of the Year.

Toulon, who missed out on Sean O'Brien, has also been linked with Jamie Heaslip but the Leinster No 8 has yet to confirm his plans.

Image: Lion's Leigh Halfpenny celebrates after the third test against Australia ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan