The Welsh Rugby Union is in clear turmoil. Players are having to take huge pay cuts, strikes are being threatened, whole clubs are on the verge of administration, and the national team are in a sorry state of affairs on the pitch. Willis Halaholo has lifted the lid on the impact that these financial issues are having on individual players.
Halaholo has spoken on Twitter about the harsh decisions that will need to be made regarding his future, with his recent salary offer not cutting it to be able to afford food for his family following his recent Achilles injury keeping him out of work.
Don’t know how many more of this I can take. Worked so hard to get back for todays game and then a freak accident jus happens to my Achilles … dark times at the moment. Don’t know how to feel. https://t.co/WkpeZgL1SC
— Willis Halaholo (@whalaholo) March 4, 2023
The 5-cap wales player had the following to say regarding his future:
“Don’t know how many more of this I can take. Worked so hard to get back for todays game and then a freak accident jus happens to my Achilles … dark times at the moment. Don’t know how to feel.
“Then getting an offer that won’t even be enough to feed my family. Pay reduction I was willing because of the love I have for the club and also the the feeling of unfinished business in the red jersey knowing I haven’t been given that proper chance to show I can truly add.
“But I can’t accept an offer that can’t even feed my family on a month to month basis… regrets running thru my mind as I turned offers to go abroad back in Oct in the hopes of still representing both jerseys. But now I’m hating myself because this situation we are in…
“The worst part is knowing my coach wants to keep me but the money doesn’t add up and would mean we would be stretched and struggle to provide for the kids… not only that but now I have to wait and have hope that someone will pick up an injured player.
“Hoping that my highlights and the potential of what I can bring would be enough to get something atleast enough to provide for my family and then play myself into a position to ask for what I feel I’m really worth maybe the following season.
“But at the moment… it’s just dark times of uncertainty and possibly just have to move back to NZ… Thanks to all the supporters and everyone that has been in touch with encouragement. P.s I’m not settling for 5-12 moths.. 5-6 months I’ll be back.
“My biggest disappointment. Was that I was looking forward too reaching the 100 club in a 3 more games. Something I really wanted to do. Hopefully will still be possible if things get right contract wise if not. It will be something I look back on gutted about…”
Fans were quick to jump on to supply their support:
We all love you Willis and appreciate the commitment you’ve shown to not only Cardiff but to Wales too. I really hope some club takes a chance on you because they won’t regret it.
— Everything Cardiff Rugby (@CardiffRFCfan) March 5, 2023
Bloody hell fella. Feel for you all,
Your family, all players in welsh rugby. What a mess. Stay positive, if you can. Thank you for everything you’ve done 💙🖤, on and off CAP. Cardiff will always be a welcoming place for you. Be great if you stayed post rugby, coaching ? Respect— Andy Sturrock (@gooper1927) March 4, 2023
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