Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Munster Confirm Seven-Month Signing of Samoa Tighthead Michael Ala’alatoa

IRFU approval enabled an NIQ prop addition to cover injuries at tighthead.

Overview

  • The former Leinster prop joins from Clermont on a deal running to the end of the 2025/26 season, with his contract starting on December 1.
  • Clermont granted an early release after talks, following initial reluctance to let the player depart.
  • Ala’alatoa arrives after helping Samoa secure 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification in Dubai this week.
  • Munster’s tighthead options have been stretched with Oli Jager sidelined by a head injury and Roman Salanoa still rebuilding fitness, leaving John Ryan as the only fully fit senior option.
  • He will miss the URC game against the Stormers on November 29 and is set to link up before the Champions Cup opener away to Bath on December 6, creating a second NIQ tighthead in Ireland alongside Leinster’s Rabah Slimani.