Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny is impressed by Toulon's support

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny believes he has settled quickly in France because fans of his club side Toulon share a similar passion for the game as his compatriots.

The former Cardiff Blues star has been in superb form for the European champions, and he produced a blistering display as Wales beat Scotland 10 days ago.

Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards described Halfpenny as “the best full-back in the world” after that Murrayfield triumph in the Six Nations.

And the Toulon player insists a certain familiarity, along with a change of routine has helped him no end, ahead of his nation’s clash with France in Paris this weekend.

"Toulon reminds me of Wales in terms of their passion for rugby," Halfpenny said.

"The sport in Wales is huge like it is in Toulon. Both sets of fans are hugely passionate.

"Before the game in Toulon when you get off the bus you walk through a tunnel of fans into the changing room. It's incredible, and I have not seen anything like that at club level.

"It reminds me of travelling in on the bus for Wales outside the Millennium Stadium with the fans cheering you in. It gives you a huge buzz going into the changing room.

"We know that when we go to Paris it will be a huge atmosphere and very loud. It's great to play in front of and a huge challenge.

"We are going to have to be at our best to come away with what we are going there for, and that's a win."