Munster Rugby has announced the signing of tighthead Michael Ala’alatoa on a seven-month contract that will keep him at the province until the end of the season. It comes after the IRFU granted Munster permission to seek non-Irish qualified talent to bolster their injured front row depth chart.
Munster know exactly what they’re getting with this signing, having watched the Samoan captain ply his trade just up the M8. From 2021-24, he played 72 times for Leinster, scoring six tries. Ala’alatoa brings depth and experience to a front row depth chart that was in desperate need of some, with 37-year-old John Ryan the only fit and available senior tighthead in the squad.
Munster has been trying to bring in depth at prop for a few seasons. At this stage, just think back to Dian Bleuler’s memorable stop for coffee in Limerick last year. The Samoan brings a known quantity to the province. He has proven he can deal with the demands of the URC and Champions Cup season.
The 34-year-old prop has amassed 24 caps for Samoa, making it to two World Cups with the country. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2014. He moved to the Crusaders in 2016, winning three Super Rugby titles and two Super Rugby Aotearoa Championships before making his first move to Ireland.
The veteran prop’s second stint will begin on December 1 when he links up with the Munster squad, following his international commitments with Manu Samoa conclude. He’s making the mid-season move from Clermont Auvergne, having not played for the French side this year.
His arrival coincides with the first week of Munster’s Champions Cup Campaign. It sets up a potential debut away to Bath that weekend.
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Munster Rugby are pleased to confirm the signing of Michael Ala’alatoa from Clermont Auvergne until the end of the season.
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— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 19, 2025