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Leinster set to lose Samoan international Michael Ala'alatoa
By Ian Cameron
Leinster prop Michael Ala’alatoa is reportedly set to leave the province for French club Clermont next summer.
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According to L’Equipe, Ala’alatoa has agreed to join the Top 14 team and is expected to depart from Leinster at the conclusion of this season.
The 32-year-old player has recently resumed playing for Leinster after representing Samoa in the Rugby World Cup. Samoa exited the competition during the pool stage after a mixed performance against Chile, England, Argentina, and Japan.
News of Ala’alatoa’s negotiations with Clermont emerged last week, culminating in his reported two-year agreement with the French club.
The 6’3″, 126kg tighthead, who had extended his contract with Leinster in March, will complete his current season with the Irish province before the anticipated move.
The Samoan international initially joined Leinster in 2021 after departing from New Zealand Super Rugby side Crusaders and has since been a pivotal presence for the team, notably featuring in both Champions Cup final defeats to La Rochelle.
He made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2014 and moved to the Crusaders in 2016. He played over 90 times for the club and won three Super Rugby titles as well as a Super Rugby Aotearoa championship.
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