Leinster have announced the signing of Samoan prop Michael Alaalatoa from Crusaders for the 2021-22 season.
The 29-year-old tight-head will arrive in Ireland this summer for pre-season training ahead of next season.
Welcoming the signing, 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 younger 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."
Alaalatoa has previously played for the Waratahs and Manawatu before signing for Crusaders in 2016. During his time with the franchise, Alaalatoa picked up three successive Super Rugby titles between 2017-19.
The most recent of his five Samoa caps was against Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, Alaalatoa said, "It is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to join Leinster Rugby.
"They have enjoyed a lot of success for a long time and have produced a lot of Irish internationals which speaks highly of their rugby programme and team culture.
"It is something that I am really excited about being a part of and I am looking forward to starting a new adventure in Dublin with my family."
Meanwhile, Leinster have confirmed that winger Dave Kearney has signed contract extension with the club.
The 31-year-old made his debut in 2009 and has won 19 Ireland caps.
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