Welsh rugby crisis: Willis Halaholo set to leave Cardiff amid 12-month injury
- Published
Willis Halaholo has played 10 internationals for Wales
Willis Halaholo's Cardiff career looks over after he was ruled out for up to a year with an Achilles injury.
Halaholo will undergo surgery following the injury in training as he battled back from a long term hamstring injury.
The Wales centre, who has not played since facing the Stormers in October 2022, says he is facing "dark times".
Director of rugby Dai Young said the 32-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is set to leave the Arms Park amid budget cuts.
He said: "We've had bad news on Willis, he should have been back this week but he's done his Achilles so he's going to have to have an op to repair that in the coming days.
"It's real blow to him and us. It can be anything between 6 and 12 months."
Halaholo has since said on social media he was unsure "how much more" he can take.
He added: "Worked so hard to get back for todays game and then a freak accident just happens to my Achilles … dark times at the moment. Don't know how to feel."
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Halaholo and prop Dmitri Arhip, who also faces a long lay-off with an Achilles injury, are both out of contact at the end of the season.
Young said: "We are there to look after rehab for Willis and Dmitri [Arhip], but where they are going next year I don't know. I don't know if they'll be our players next year.
"They knew the decision the club had made before their injuries. If we haven't got money to have competitive offers for Jarrod [Evans], why would we have for Willis and Dmitri?"
More heartbreak for Halaholo
Wales centre Halaholo revealed the extent of his contract situation after previously turning down offers from other clubs.
Halaholo wrote: "Getting a offer that won't even be enough to feed my family. Pay reduction I was willing because of the love I have for the club and also the the feeling of unfinished business in the red [Wales] jersey knowing I haven't been given that proper chance to show I can truly add.
"But I can't accept an offer that can't even feed my family on a month to month basis.
"Regrets are running through my mind as I turned {down] offers to go abroad back in October in the hopes of still representing both jerseys. But now I'm hating myself because this situation we are in.
"The worst part is knowing my coach wants to keep me but the money doesn't add up and would mean we would be stretched and struggle to provide for the kids.
"Not only that but now I have to wait and have hope that someone will pick up an injured player.
"Hoping that my highlights and the potential of what I can bring would be enough to get something at least enough to provide for my family and then play myself into a position to ask for what I feel I'm really worth maybe the following season.
"At the moment it's just dark times of uncertainty and possibly just have to move back to New Zealand."
Halaholo says he is determined to return from injury within six months.
"Thanks to all the supporters and everyone that has been in touch with encouragement.
"My biggest disappointment was I was looking forward to reaching the 100 club in three more games. Something I really wanted to do.
"Hopefully it will still be possible if things get right contract wise if not. It will be something I look back on gutted about."
Cardiff chief executive Richard Holland says they are trying to "unlock" funds to help form a squad for 2023-24 as Wales' regions - and their players - deal with contracting budgets.
Some players at the Arms Park who earn up to £250,000 have reportedly been offered deals of £30,000 to stay on beyond the end of the current campaign.
Cuts should be 'phased' in - Dacey
Eight-times capped Wales hooker Kristian Dacey is also out of contract at the end of 2022-23.
The 33-year-old faces a decision over his future and that of his family, particularly schooling should he take an opportunity to leave Wales, with one child in Welsh medium education.
Dacey is also involved in an off-field business to which he would dedicate more time if he turned semi-professional at a lower level.
He accepts wages need to be cut, but believes the reduction in regional funding and salaries should be "phased" in.
"Your last pay cheque is coming in three months and you've got young families, how are you going to provide for that family?," he added.
Meanwhile Jarrod Evans is the latest player to leave Cardiff while their Wales backs, Liam Williams and Josh Adams, are also the subject of interest from foreign teams.