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Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of exciting Super Rugby centre Willis Halaholo.

Halaholo will leave the Hurricanes to join the Welsh region later this year as Danny Wilson looks to build a squad capable of competing at the top of the Pro12 next season.

The 25-year-old will move to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on a long-term contract following the completion of the NPC competition with Waikato.

Halaholo, who has also represented Southland in New Zealand, is a powerful and creative centre who broke through with the Hurricanes last season.

He has impressed in recent wins over the Western Force and Southern Kings, where he made his first start of the season and was later named in the Super Rugby team of the week.

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Head Coach Danny Wilson said: “Willis is a player we have been aware of for some time and who is really showing his ability and having a strong Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes.

“We are excited about what he will bring to the Cardiff Blues when he joins us later this year.

“Willis is a creative presence at centre and we feel his game will really suit the playing surface at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. Alongside with the likes of Rey Lee-Lo and Matthew Morgan, he will add even more attacking threat to our game.

“He is also strong defensively and is only going to get better the more he plays. He has learnt from the likes of Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nono in recent years so is a player who is developing fast.

“I know Willis is excited about the challenge of playing Northern Hemisphere rugby and we look forward to welcoming him later this year once he has completed his commitments in New Zealand.”

Halaholo said: “The opportunity to join a club like Cardiff Blues, who play at a venue with such a rich history, was very appealing. After speaking with the coaches and understanding what they are looking for I am excited about being able to contribute next season and beyond.

“The timing was very good for me and my family and the chance to play rugby in another part of the world and experience some true Welsh culture is also exciting.”

Related:The virtual unknown poised to take over the New Zealand No.10 shirt from Dan Carter against Wales

Factfile

Name: Willis Halaholo

Date of Birth: 6 July 1990

Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand

Height: 181cm / 5ft 11in

Weight: 103kg / 16st 2lb