LONDON Welsh say they have yet to extend Chris Hala’ufia’s loan deal, despite news he will not be returning to Llanelli Scarlets.

The No 8 joined Welsh on a two-week deal for their Aviva Premiership matches against Harlequins and Newcastle.

Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said yesterday that the Tongan international “won’t be coming back.”

But the Exiles have yet to confirm if the 35-year-old will now stay at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.

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“We were very happy with the time Chris spent with us,” said scrum coach Matt Ferguson.

“He showed against Newcastle that he is a top-end Premiership player.

“There is nothing confirmed, but we are definitely happy with the impact that he made.

“If the situation arises, we’ll welcome him here with open arms.”

Hala’ufia, who turns 36 on Friday, did not make an appearance for the Scarlets after joining from London Irish this summer.

But he showed his value in Welsh’s 23-3 home defeat to Newcastle, where he made the most carries (21) and off-loads (six) in round six of the Premiership.

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