Halaholo was given a short-term contract at the beginning of the season to allow him to remain at the Arms Park. It was extended on a month, by month basis.
The announcement last month that Cardiff Rugby has been taken over by Helford Capital finally gave the club the green light to retain the services of one of their longest serving players.
Halaholo joined the club in 2016 and is due to play his 107th game against Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup in Round 3.
“I’m really pleased we have been able to keep Willis at the club for the remainder of this season. He has got himself back following a really injury-hit season and is growing in confidence and prominence every week,” said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt.
“There is no doubt about his quality and he has the ability to create something out of nothing. This is a club that means a huge amount to him and to have his experience around some of the younger players at the Arms Park is really important.”
Halaholo arrived in the Welsh capital having helped the Hurricanes win the Super Rugby title in his native New Zealand. Now 33, he was an integral part of Cardiff’s 2018 European Challenge Cup
triumph and has won nine caps to date for his adopted country, Wales, including the 2021 Six
Nations title winning side.
“It’s been tough, and the last year was probably the toughest of my career. Not only because of the injuries but everything that comes with it,” said Halaholo.
“After a whole year out injured, to come back and play pretty much eight games on the bounce is a bit of a shock to the body. I’m trying to get back to my best and I’m probably going to enjoy it more now knowing that I’m here for the rest of the season.
“It was tough playing with all the anxiety going on, trying not to think about getting injured, but now I can start enjoying it fully.
“I’m really happy to be staying at the Arms Park for the rest of the season. It is a club that me and family love and there was a huge motivation to pull on the Blue & Black again this season and to reach 100 appearances,
“To be able to continue running out with the boys, and in front of our amazing Arms Park support, for the rest of the season is something I’m really grateful for, and excited about.
“There are so many great young players coming through here. They are the future of the club ,but I am really enjoying being out there and also helping them along the way.”
