Halaifonua first played club rugby for Warringah, a rugby union club located in New South Wales, Australia, that compete in their competitions, the Shute Shield and the Tooheys New Cup. He then moved to France as he signed a contract for US Bergerac, who compete in Federale 1, the third level of domestic competition in France.
During the 2013–14 season, Halaifonua joined fellow Tongans Hale T-Pole and Paula Kaho in Sri Lanka. He played for the Sri Lanka champions Kandy SC.
On 4 December 2014, Halaifonua officially signed for English side Gloucester Rugby who compete in the Aviva Premiership from the 2014–15 season.[3]
On 26 April 2018, David left Gloucester, having played 44 times, to sign for newly promoted side Coventry in the RFU Championship from the 2018–19 season.[5]