Former Wales and Cardiff centre Willis Halaholo is poised to make his debut for Tonga in the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup 2025. The 34-year-old, who last represented Wales in April 2022, is now eligible to play for Tonga under World Rugby's revised eligibility rules, thanks to his family heritage.

Halaholo, who qualified for Wales through residency, will return to Test rugby after a three-year hiatus. He has been named in the Ikale Tahi squad and is set to face Fiji and Samoa in Pool A of the Pacific Nations Cup next month. The tournament, which also features Canada, United States, and Japan in Pool B, will culminate in a final on 20 September 2025 at America First Field in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In a potential highlight of the tournament, Halaholo could form a dynamic centre partnership with former New Zealand All Black Charles Piutau, who switched allegiance to Tonga ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Halaholo, who joined Cardiff in 2016 and overcame a serious knee injury, left the club at the end of the 2023-24 season.

The Pacific Nations Cup promises to be a showcase of international rugby talent, with Halaholo’s debut adding an exciting narrative to the competition. Fans can look forward to seeing how this seasoned player contributes to Tonga’s campaign in this prestigious tournament.