Cardiff-bound Halaholo keen to don Wales jersey
The temptation was there for Willis Halaholo to stay in New Zealand.
The midfielder’s outstanding form for the Hurricanes in the second half of their season, as they gloriously marched to their maiden Super Rugby title, has left people wondering why he’s leaving for the Cardiff Blues.
Halaholo agreed to a three-year contract with the Welsh club in April. He goes there once his commitment to Waikato’s national provincial championship campaign is over.
Now 26, Halaholo has cut his teeth with the very best in Wellington - learning from the legendary All Blacks midfield pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu before they finished up at the end of last year. Once he was promoted from the wider squad to a starting berth in 2016, Halaholo was a revelation alongside Matt Proctor.
And with the likes of Chiefs midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown suddenly elevated to starting for the All Blacks, ‘the dream’ has crossed Halaholo’s mind.
But family comes first. And he remains intent on committing to three years in Cardiff, which then could lead to an international callup to Wales based on residency.
‘‘That’s something that’s on the table,’’ said Halaholo.
‘‘I’m looking to go there and stay for three years. If the opportunity comes [to play for Wales], playing for another country, whatever goes, I’ll go for it.’’
Halaholo signed for the Hurricanes in 2015. He said uncertainty about his position in the side helped him make his decision to switch to the northern hemisphere. When Cardiff called, Halaholo was barely considered for Super Rugby.
‘‘It was hard for me to go back to the Canes on a wider squad after being on a full contract the previous year.
‘‘But I was willing to work hard and try to get that [starting] spot. I learned a lot from Ma’a [Nonu] and Conrad [Smith] and I didn’t want that to go to waste.
‘‘The family at the Hurricanes were very good to me and I was lucky enough to get that starting sport later in the season.’’
Halaholo opted to play for Waikato so he could be close to his family before he moves to Wales.
Two of his younger brothers, Lona and Sam, have played in Waikato premier club rugby for Morrinsville Sports this year.
Halaholo admitted he would ideally have stayed in New Zealand, but he didn’t want to hang around when an offer came from Cardiff.
‘‘The ultimate dream was to stay but I didn’t want to risk it again; trying to play NPC for another contract to end up on a wider squad.
‘‘I didn’t know whether I was going to be a starter in the Hurricanes or not. I didn’t want to make that risk and I have to look after my family you know. With two kids, it’s hard to gamble that.
‘‘I’m definitely going to make the move. I guess time was running out [on making a decision] and I’ve got to look after my family.’’
Halaholo has been named to start at 12 for Waikato’s opening two matches of this year’s NPC, including Saturday’s Ranfurly Shield defence against North Harbour in Hamilton.
‘‘Willis is a very good professional,’’ said Waikato head coach Sean Botherway. ’’He’s got a good handle on his position and he’s having a real influence with the players he’s alongside in and around that midfield area.’’
So Wales awaits for Halaholo, with the lure of international rugby in the pipeline.