Willis Halaholo: Wales centre signs new short-term Cardiff deal

Willis Halaholo joined Cardiff from New Zealand side Hurricanes in 2016 and made his Wales debut in 2021

Cardiff have extended Willis Halaholo's short-term contract until the end of December and boss Matt Sherratt hopes to secure the Wales centre longer-term.

The 33-year-old has been hit in recent seasons by injury and was among a raft of players due to leave the Arms Park last summer.

But after recovering from an Achilles injury he re-signed in October.

Since then Halaholo has appeared in all Cardiff's United Rugby Championship (URC) games this season.

Halaholo's initial short-term deal expired at the end of October.

"Hopefully we can get something done long-term when the time is right," Sherratt said.

Budget cuts across Welsh rugby's four regional teams meant Halaholo was not offered a new contract before the 2023-24 season.

But Halaholo played for Cardiff in pre-season as he proved his fitness and has been in consistent form.

"He's done well and it's been good to watch, because you could see from his first two games that he was almost playing himself to fitness," added Sherratt.

"Then at Zebre there were a couple of moments and the Bulls game at home - his 100th game for us - he had some great movements with his feet."

In September 2023, Cardiff said they were to be taken over by new investors with a promise of "significant investment" after a turbulent period.

The deal is thought to be nearing completion, which would unlock funds to retain players for 2024-25.