Samoa skipper Michael Ala'alatoa to make Clermont switch

Clermont Auvergne are set to secure the services of Samoa skipper Michael Ala'alatoa ahead of the 2024/25 season.

According to L'Equipe, the 32-year-old will head to the club in the summer and has penned a two-year deal.

Under Ala'alatoa, Samoa came close to reaching the quarter-final in the recently concluded World Cup where they defeated Chile and had narrow defeats against Argentina, Japan and England.

Born in Sydney, Ala'alatoa made his professional rugby debut with Southern Districts in 2013 and played for West Harbour, Waratahs, New South Wales Country Eagles, Manawatu and Crusaders.

He joined Leinster in 2021 and featured in the finals of the Heineken Champions Cup in the last two seasons against La Rochelle which they went on to lose.

Clermont are positioned 10th in the ongoing Top 14 season where they went on to lose and win two games apiece in the four matches.