Halaholo hits back at his Welsh critics after ACL injury

Cardiff Blues centre Willis Halaholo has sent a strong message to his critics after his season ended just days before he was expected to make his debut for Wales this Saturday against the Barbarians. 

The 29-year-old was included in new coach Wayne Pivac’s 35-man squad, but he sustained an ACL injury in Cardiff’s Challenge Cup loss to Leicester Tigers last Saturday which will require surgery. 

Following the news, Halaholo shared on Twitter that it was a “tough pill to swallow” but thanked all the “genuine supporters”. 

There was a wave of criticism following the Auckland-born Halaholo’s selection along with fellow Kiwi Johnny McNicholl as both players were born and raised in New Zealand and qualified to play for Wales through the three-year residency rule.

In light of this, Halaholo continued on Twitter by targeting those who have disapproved of his selection, saying they “got [their] wish”.

Thanks everyone @cardiff_blues for the support. Also all the genuine supporters? Tough pill to swallow at the moment but there must be a bigger Plan for me from the Man above. I’ll be back with very very ItchyFeet. ?? For now I will stand by the brothers till the end of season https://t.co/ofKn5zIxD7

— Willis Halaholo (@whalaholo) November 26, 2019

Last message from me. All the doubters haters and people that don’t think I belong here u got your wish?? u got 9months to get better especially the ones that think it’s ok for the other two Kiwi born to represent Wales but not me ?

— Willis Halaholo (@whalaholo) November 26, 2019

I wasn’t gonna say nothing but it’s just sad to see people still live this way… if ur against the rule? Cool. If ur against me as a person then idk I wish u all the best…

— Willis Halaholo (@whalaholo) November 26, 2019

This country is in my heart now solidified.because anyone that knows me knows FAMILY is huge for me. I have 2 welsh born daughters now that makes this country solidified in my heart. Nothing motivates me more than doubters and haters see u next season ?????Peace and Love??

— Willis Halaholo (@whalaholo) November 26, 2019

The centre particularly directed his message at “the ones that think it’s ok for the other two Kiwi-born to represent Wales but not me”. This is referring to McNicholl and Hadleigh Parkes, who have all qualified to play for Wales through residency.

Halaholo emphasised how much Wales means to him, saying: “This country is in my heart now solidified. Because anyone that knows me knows FAMILY is huge for me. I have two Welsh-born daughters now that makes this country solidified in my heart. Nothing motivates me more than doubters and haters. See you next season.”

Willis Halaholo's injury couldn't have come at a worse time as the New Zealander had just been called into the Wales squad after qualifying through residency https://t.co/cMpSoWwpQq

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 26, 2019

It would have been hard for Halaholo to avoid the comments made by former players and fans in the wake of his selection for Wales, but he seems determined to return to the national fold after his injury and prove many of his doubters wrong.  

With that being said, it must be noted that there were also many fans that were in favour of Halaholo’s selection and he does seem aware of that. 

Meanwhile, Ospreys’ centre Scott Williams has been called into the Wales squad for this weekend’s match in Halaholo’s absence. 

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