Michael Alaalatoa to join Leinster ahead of 2021/22 season

Leinster Rugby have confirmed that tighthead prop Michael Alaalatoa will join the club from the Crusaders ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The 29-year-old, capped at international level by Samoa, will link up with his new teammates in time for pre-season training.

Discussing the new signing, Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen said, "We are very excited by Michael's arrival in the coming months. He is a player with top quality Super Rugby and international experience and he is hungry for further success and to play a part in building on the work that is already underway here."

"We have a group of young props who will only benefit from his experience and we believe the wider group will also learn a lot from Michael and his rugby knowledge from playing with the Crusaders in particular. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to the club later this summer."

Alaalatoa, who was born and raised in Sydney, represented Samoa at Under 20 and senior international level, like his father, Vili, before him.