Munster have made a mid-season dip into the transfer market, confirming the signing of veteran prop Michael Ala'alatoa until the end of the season.
The former Leinster tighthead will link up with Munster in December, after he has finished his commitments with Samoa, who yesterday secured qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027.
Ala’alatoa was granted early release from his deal at Clermont Auvergne after struggling to make an impact at the Top14 side since joining from Leinster in 2024.
The Samoa international had previously been a steady presence for Leinster in his three seasons at the province, making 72 appearances in blue.
The former Crusaders prop played 13 times in his debut season in France, but is yet to make an appearance this season for Christophe Urios’ side.
Ala’alatoa will not be available for Munster in their next URC meeting with Stormers at Thomond Park on Saturday, 29 November, but could be in line for a debut the following weekend in the Champions Cup opener against Bath.
The 34-year-old will bolster the prop options for head coach Clayton McMillan, with John Ryan currently the only fully fit senior tighthead in the group, which has seen the IRFU grant Munster permission to bring in an experienced non-Irish qualified front row.
Oli Jager is currently sidelined with concussion, while Roman Salanoa is yet to feature this season following two years out with knee injuries.
However, Salanoa has been stepping up his gametime with Nenagh Ormond in the All Ireland League, and has featured for Munster A in the last month, while he has spent time training at the IRFU high performance facility in Dublin.
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