Hurricanes centre Halaholo to play for Cardiff Blues

Hurricanes centre Willis Halaholo has agreed to rugby for Cardiff Blues after the current Super Rugby and NPC seasons.

Auckland born Halaholo will make the move to Cardiff Arms Park on a long-term contract following the completion of the NPC competition later this year with Waikato.

Twenty-five-year-old Halaholo has also represented Southland in New Zealand is being seen as key to adding an attacking edge and depth to the squad being developed at Cardiff Blues by Head Coach Danny Wilson.

Halaholo was first selected by the Hurricanes last season, after an excellent ITM Cup with Southland where he topped many of the competition’s offensive statistics.

The talented midfielder has again impressed this campaign and was pivotal in recent wins over the Western Force and Southern Kings, where he made his first start of the season and was later named in the Super Rugby team of the week.

Willis Halaholo said: “The opportunity to join a club like Cardiff Blues, who play at a venue with such a rich history, was very appealing. After speaking with the coaches and understanding what they are looking for I am excited about being able to contribute next season and beyond.

“The timing was very good for me and my family and the chance to play rugby in another part of the world and experience some true Welsh culture is also exciting.”

Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “Willis is a player we have been aware of for some time and who is really showing his ability and having a strong Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes.

“We are excited about what he will bring to the Cardiff Blues when he joins us later this year.

“He has learnt from the likes of Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nono in recent years so is a player who is developing fast.

“I know Willis is excited about the challenge of playing Northern Hemisphere rugby and we look forward to welcoming him later this year once he has completed his commitments in New Zealand.”