CENTRE Uilisi (Willis) Halaholo will miss the game against New Zealand after testing positive for Covid-19, with Scott Williams being called up to replace him.
31-year-old Halaholo will miss his chance to face the nation of his birth and said on Twitter that he is "gutted" but wished his replacement well.
Scarlets centre Scott Williams, also 31, will be hoping to add another cap to the 58 that he has already accrued for Wales.
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The Welsh Rugby Union made a statement on their website saying: "Halaholo is now isolating, away from national squad camp, for 10 days.
"The WRU has notified, and is working closely with, Public Health Wales on the matter."
It is a cruel blow for Halaholo who was outspoken about his desire to face the All Blacks in recent weeks.
He also spoke how in the past 24 hours, he has lost his aunt who was like a second mother to him.
Been a rough 24hours. Found out my aunty(pretty much a 2nd mum to me) passed away late lastnight. Then wake up this morning and test positive and be unavailable for a game that I’ve worked hard towards since it was announced.Gutted. Congrats @ScottWilliams_1 Goodluck brothers.❤️ https://t.co/L2ttjq6C8f
— Willis Halaholo (@whalaholo) October 26, 2021
Halaholo was amongst the favourites to face New Zealand with the Welsh squad decimated by injuries and not able to pick players who play for English sides as the test falls outside World Rugby's international window.
Missing Halaholo is a big blow to Wales, as he has established himself as a dependable and skilled member of the squad since he broke into the team.
Williams has been in good form for the Scarlets and many were wondering why he was not originally called up to the Wales squad.
Wales vs New Zealand is on Saturday, October 30 and kicks off at 5.15pm.
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