Willis Halahola has one eye on Welsh jersey
CARDIFF, WALES - JANUARY 14: Detailed view of Cardiff Arms Park with the Principality Stadium in the background during the European Rugby Challenge Cup match between Cardiff Blues and Toulouse at Cardiff Arms Park on January 14, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
By James Coffey
Cardiff Blues head coach John Mulvihill revealed New Zealand-born centre Willis Halahola has ambitions to represent Wales.
The 28-year-old impressed throughout Cardiff Blues triumphant European Challenge Cup campaign last year and caught the eye last week with an explosive man of the match performance against Munster.
He is not subject to the extended residency rules and will qualify after the World Cup which could make him a useful asset to incoming coach Wayne Pivac.
“He’s got an eye on a red jersey,” confirmed Mulvihill.
“He is one of the form centres in Wales at the moment, he’s very dangerous with the ball and he’s a really good defender as well, once he puts it together he’s the complete player.”
Asked whether he had intentions to represent Wales before making the move to Cardiff, Halahola said:
“That’s something that’s on the table. I’m looking to go there and stay for three years. If the opportunity comes to play for another country, I’ll go for it.”
If he continues his impressive form he could follow the path of fellow centre Hadleigh Parkes who played against the Springboks three years to the day after arriving in the country.
