Willis Halaholo Retires From Professional Rugby After Injury Struggles

Willis Halaholo has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 36. BBC Sport reported that the former Wales and Cardiff centre disclosed the decision on social media after dealing with a series of persistent injuries. Halaholo said his desire to continue remained, but his body had reached the point where ending his playing career was the right decision.

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Born in Auckland, Halaholo began his career in New Zealand with Southland and later represented Waikato and the Hurricanes. His spell with the Hurricanes included a Super Rugby title, giving him a major team honour before he moved from New Zealand to continue his career in Wales.

Halaholo joined Cardiff in 2016 and spent eight years with the Welsh region. He made more than 100 appearances during that period, although a serious leg injury kept him out for 12 months. His time at the Arms Park ended after the 2023-24 season, when he returned to New Zealand to play for Bay of Plenty in the National Provincial Championship.

At international level, Halaholo qualified to represent Wales through residency rules. He won nine Wales caps, with his final appearance coming in April 2022. He subsequently played three times for Tonga, adding a second international team to a career that had already taken him from provincial rugby in New Zealand to the professional and Test game in Wales.

The centre's retirement follows the continuing injury problems he identified in his announcement. BBC Sport quoted Halaholo as saying that not everyone has the opportunity to wear the jerseys he represented. His comments placed the decision in the context of gratitude for his career, even as recurring physical issues brought his playing days to an end.

Halaholo now plans to direct his attention toward coaching. That move will keep him involved in rugby after a career spanning Southland, Waikato, the Hurricanes, Cardiff and Bay of Plenty, as well as international appearances for Wales and Tonga. His retirement closes the playing chapter of a career marked by more than a century of Cardiff appearances, a Super Rugby title and representation of two countries.