Alaalatoa to stay with Crusaders

Editor

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 15: Mike Alaalatoa of the Crusaders looks on prior to the round eight Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Jaguares at AMI Stadium on April 15, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Crusaders prop Michael Alaalatoa has extended his Super Rugby contract for a further two seasons.

Alaalatoa has enjoyed an impressive debut season for the second-placed side, making seven appearances off the bench to replace All Blacks tighthead Owen Franks.

It is more rugby than the Sydney-born 24-year-old was handed at the Waratahs, where he made one appearance over two seasons.

Former Samoan U20 representative Alaalatoa is the son of former Samoan international Vili and the older brother of current Brumbies prop Allan.