Crusaders tighthead prop, Michael Alaalatoa, has confirmed today that he will be leaving the three-time Super Rugby champions at the end of the 2021 season.
The 29-year-old will be joining the Irish club, Leinster.
Alaalatoa says that he is extremely grateful for the support the Crusaders have given him throughout his time in Christchurch, and it is hard to believe that he will be wrapping up his career after six seasons with this team.
He says he is fortunate to work alongside some of the best coaches and players in the world during his time, and it has brought out the best in him as a player and as an individual.
He adds he has heard some awesome things about Leinster and looks forward to the next challenge in his rugby career.
The tighthead prop says this is a chance to have an adventure with his young family in Dublin, and he is looking forward to getting over there and connecting with the club.
Alaalatoa made his debut for the Crusaders in 2016, after two seasons with the Waratahs in Sydney. He also represented Manawatu in the Mitre 10 Cup from 2015 to 2018, then made the move to Canterbury for the 2019 season, before returning to the Turbos for their 2020 campaign. He currently has 89 appearances for the Crusaders.
Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson says Alaalatoa is a true professional who gets the best out of himself and continues to get better.
Alaalatoa represented Samoa at the Under 20 level in the 2011 IRB Junior World Rugby Championship and went on to be selected for Samoa at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He was named Captain of the Moana Pasifika side for their one-off match against the Maori All Blacks in December 2020.
Alaalatoa will leave New Zealand in August.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will face the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday and the Highlanders will take on the Blues at 7.05pm Friday.
[Source: Crusades.co.nz]
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