Michael Ala'alatoa signs seven-month deal with Munster

Munster Rugby have confirmed the signing of tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa on a seven-month contract that runs until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 34-year-old will join the squad on December 1 after completing international duty with Manu Samoa.

Ala’alatoa brings extensive top-level experience, having earned 24 Test caps and featured in two Rugby World Cups.

He began his Super Rugby career with the Waratahs in 2014 before moving to the Crusaders in 2016, where he won three Super Rugby titles and two Super Rugby Aotearoa championships.

This marks his second stint in Ireland, following a successful spell with Leinster from 2021 to 2024, during which he made 62 appearances and scored six tries.

Ala’alatoa comes from a strong rugby lineage: his father Vili played for Western Samoa at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, while his brother Allan is an Australia international and current captain of the Brumbies.