Munster turn to ex-Leinster star after failing to sign South African powerhouse
Michael Ala’alatoa during his Leinster days and, inset, Bulls prop Mornay Smith.
Munster have confirmed the signing of Michael Ala’alatoa the day after the ex-Leinster prop helped Samoa to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2027.
The 34-year-old was a starter in Tuesday’s 13-13 draw with Belgium in Dubai, a result that was enough for the Pacific Islanders to book the 24th and final place for the tournament in Australia in two years’ time.
Ala’alatoa will now head to Ireland – and not back to France – to see out the remainder of the 2025/26 club season after agreeing a seven-month deal with Munster that will begin on December 1.
The front-rower joined Clermont in the summer of 2024 from Leinster but had yet to play in the Top 14 this season. The club has now “mutually agreed” with Ala’alatoa to end their contract with immediate effect, freeing the player to return to Ireland, where he spent three seasons in Dublin.
“Demonstrated great professionalism…”
Munster’s move for Ala’alatoa comes following their failure to bring in a replacement for Stephen Archer, the long-serving tighthead who retired last June as their all-time appearances holder.
The Irish province had looked to sign Mornay Smith, the South African prop. However, he still had one season left on his contract at the Bulls at the time of their approach earlier this year.
That proved to be a deal breaker in Munster’s attempts to recruit the 27-year-old, who was also reportedly linked with Bristol and Gloucester. Smith has since agreed to a contract extension in South Africa, keeping him at the Bulls until 2029.
An Irish club statement read: “Munster are pleased to confirm the signing of Michael Ala’alatoa from Clermont Auvergne on a seven-month contract until the end of the 2025/26 season.
“Ala’alatoa is currently on international duty with Manu Samoa and will commence his contract on Monday, December 1. The 34-year-old tighthead prop is a 24-cap international who has played in two World Cups.
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“He made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2014 before moving to the Crusaders in 2016, winning three Super Rugby titles and two Super Rugby Aotearoa Championships. It will be his second spell in Ireland having scored six tries in 62 appearances for Leinster between 2021 and 2024.
“His father, Vili, was a member of the Western Samoa squad for the 1991 Rugby World Cup and brother Allan is an Australian international who captains the Brumbies.”
A French club statement read: “ASM Clermont Auvergne and tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa have mutually agreed to end their time with immediate effect. The Samoan international will return to Ireland next week to join Munster, where he will finish the season.
“The image of the Samoan tighthead launched into the air and at the heart of the celebration with the supporters on the evening of the victory against Montpellier on the last day of the Top 14 testified to the attachment of the group to the player, who has decided to join Munster after the Final Qualifying Tournament for the World Cup.
“Having seen limited playing time during his two seasons at the club, he has seized an opportunity (with the club’s approval to release him from the final year of his contract) to revive his career in Ireland, where he won numerous titles with Leinster.
“Michael will now play for Munster for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The entire club, where he demonstrated great professionalism throughout his time here, wishes him all the best for the rest of his career.”
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