Former Hurricanes player Willis Halaholo has revealed the dire details of his contract situation in Wales, after suffering a serious injury.
The Auckland-born midfielder joined Cardiff in 2016, and became an instant hit with the Blue and Blacks, before making his Wales debut in 2021.
But a freak Achilles injury has now sidelined the five-test international for up to a year, after he was already recovering from a hamstring issue.
Halaholo's deal with Cardiff runs out mid-year and he disclosed an offer he received from the club that "won't even be enough to feed my family".
The 32-year-old still harbours international aspirations and turned down opportunities elsewhere in a bid to add to his five caps.
"Don't know how many more of this I can take," Halaholo posted on Twitter. "Worked so hard to get back for today's game and then a freak accident just happened 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 [to take], because of the love I have for the club and also 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 through 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 of 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."
Several prominent rugby players have thrown their support behind the troubled Halalolo, with Matt Toomua, Pita Ahki and Anthony Watson all sharing their sympathy.
Cardiff Rugby have been approached for comment.
