Leigh Halfpenny available for Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017

Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny has confirmed that he will be available for selection for the British and Lions tour of New Zealand in June next year.

The announcement comes after Halfpenny's Top14 club Toulon has agreed to release the 27-year-old for the tour provided he is selected.

Halfpenny, who was withdrawn from the Lions squad for the tour of South Africa in 2009 due to a recurring thigh injury played a pivotal role in the team's 2-1 victory over Australia in 2013.

It was on the 2013 tour of Australia, the Swansea-born fullback was awarded the man of the series while he went on to break a number of records, including most points scored for the Lions and the most points scored in a single Test as well.

"We have an agreement with (Toulon president) Mourad Boudjellal," Halfpenny said, in comments reported by www.lequipe.fr.

"When I extended for this season, it was expected that I be released if I was selected for the British Lions tour.

"It falls right during the finals of the Top 14, and if I am selected, I will miss the end of the season. The staff and the president told me that having a player selected with the Lions would be an honour for the club.

"All this is still in a long time. To be with the Lions, you have to be good at your club. I have come back from a big injury, and for now, I am focused on being good with Toulon."

The Lions tour of New Zealand next year consists of three Tests against All Blacks and also encounters against Provincial Union XV, Maori All Blacks and other Super Rugby sides.