Uilisi Halaholo announces rugby retirement

Former Wales and Tonga centre Uilisi Halaholo has announced his retirement from professional rugby, bringing an end to a career that included more than 100 appearances for Cardiff and international rugby with two nations.

The Auckland-born 36-year-old confirmed the decision with a farewell message reflecting on his playing journey.

Uilisi Halaholo Ends Rugby Career

Halaholo joined Cardiff in 2016 after spells with Southland, Waikato and the Hurricanes, quickly becoming a popular figure at Cardiff Arms Park.

He went on to make more than 100 appearances during eight seasons with the Welsh club and was part of the Cardiff side that defeated Gloucester to win the European Challenge Cup in Bilbao in 2018.

Halaholo left Cardiff in 2024 and returned to New Zealand, where he represented Bay of Plenty in the NPC.

Halaholo Won Six Nations With Wales

After qualifying for Wales through residency, Halaholo made his Test debut against Scotland at Murrayfield during the 2021 Six Nations.

He played a role as Wales went on to win the championship and finished his Welsh international career with 10 caps between 2021 and 2022. His final Wales appearance came against Italy during the 2022 Six Nations.

Former Wales Centre Later Represented Tonga

After completing the required international stand-down period, Halaholo became eligible to represent Tonga through his family heritage.

He joined the Tonga squad for the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, adding another chapter to a career that had already taken him through New Zealand, Wales and international rugby.

Halaholo thanked everyone who had contributed to his playing journey and said he was excited about the next chapter of his life.

"Glory to God for this Chapter in my life

"Excited for the next. Thank you to everyone that's played a part in my playing journey. Ofa atu."