Toulon drops BOMBSHELL on Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny

• Leigh Halfpenny to be ditched by Toulon

• The Lions fullback will not be offered the contract extension

• It was reported he’d agreed on a new deal a few months ago

Leigh Halfpenny is reportedly on his way out of Toulon, according to reports in France on Monday.

Var-Matin allege that Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal is looking to release the Wales and Lions star, in part due to his absence from the club’s Top 14 final squad and his stalling over a new deal.

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Halfpenny was allowed to link up with the British and Irish Lions squad, who headed to New Zealand last week, meaning he missed the Top 14 final which Toulon went on to lose 22-16.

Goalkicking proved to be a pivotal reason for the defeat, with fly-half Anthony Belleau striking the post twice in the second half.

The second match of the #LionsNZ2017 is nearly upon us, and here’s your matchday 23! #AllForOne #BLUvBIL

➡️ https://t.co/CuWzxksi8B pic.twitter.com/rY3yrVkeRb

— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 5, 2017

Halfpenny was not selected for the Lions’ first game in New Zealand the day before the Top 14 final. He is due to start at full-back for Wednesday’s game against the Blues.

And Boudjellal’s frustration at missing out on a second Top 14 title appears to be now taken out on Halfpenny, who joined the club in 2014 from Cardiff Blues and helped them to win the Champions Cup in his first season.

PHOTO CREDIT: PA