Munster Signs Michael Alaalatoa as Injury Replacement Tighthead

Munster Rugby has agreed to sign former Leinster tighthead prop Michael Alaalatoa from Clermont as a response to ongoing injury challenges in the position. The 34-year-old international from Samoa is expected to join the team shortly, with his contract likely extending until the end of the current season. This move marks a significant adjustment for Munster, navigating a tighthead crisis as they aim to maintain their competitive momentum in the league.

The current situation at Munster is pressing, with David Humphreys, the performance director of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), indicating that the union is willing to consider non-Irish-qualified (NIQ) players under special circumstances. This flexibility comes in light of recent injuries affecting the tighthead positions. Alaalatoa’s arrival means that there will be two NIQ tightheads in Ireland, as Rabah Slimani is already with Leinster.

Munster’s injury report highlights the absence of tighthead Jager, recently sidelined with a head injury, while Roman Salanoa is working towards full fitness after a long-term knee injury. Salanoa has made a return to play with Nenagh in the All-Ireland League and has also participated in matches for Munster A. However, the team believes he still needs additional rehabilitation and conditioning to compete at the professional level.

Currently, John Ryan stands as the only fully fit senior tighthead in the Munster squad, while Conor Bartley has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Academy player Ronan Foxe has made appearances for the senior side, and loosehead prop Kieran Ryan can play in the tighthead position, though he lacks experience there.

In light of these challenges, Munster approached the IRFU for approval to sign Alaalatoa from Clermont. The union supported this initiative, keen for Munster to build on their strong start to the season under new head coach Clayton McMillan. Initially, Munster faced some resistance from Clermont regarding Alaalatoa, whose contract was set to run until the end of the season. However, following a second approach, the French club agreed to release him.

Alaalatoa previously spent three seasons with Leinster from 2021 to 2023 before transferring to Clermont, where he has struggled to make a significant impact, playing only 13 times in his first season and not appearing at all in the current campaign. His experience with the Crusaders in New Zealand, combined with his international experience with Samoa, positions him as a valuable addition to the Munster squad as they navigate this challenging period.

As the team prepares for Alaalatoa’s anticipated arrival, they hope to bolster their roster and tackle upcoming fixtures with renewed strength and strategic depth.