Ex-Wales and Cardiff centre Halaholo retires

Willis Halaholo, a former centre for Wales and Cardiff, has announced his retirement from professional rugby. The 36-year-old made the decision on social media, citing that his body has had enough despite his mind still being keen to continue. Halaholo, who was born in Auckland, qualified for Wales through residency rules and earned his final cap for Wales in April 2022.

He also played three games for Tonga. Halaholo's rugby journey began in New Zealand with Southland, followed by stints with Waikato and Hurricanes, where he won a Super Rugby title. He joined Cardiff in 2016, playing over 100 games for the Welsh region over eight years. However, he was sidelined for 12 months due to serious leg injuries.

Halaholo ended his eight-year tenure with Cardiff at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season to return to New Zealand and join Bay of Plenty in the National Provincial Championship. Halaholo acknowledged that not everyone experiences the privilege of wearing a jersey like his and mentioned that he had been dealing with a series of minor injuries.