Photo: Getty ImagesMichael Alaalatoa, the most experienced tighthead prop on the Crusaders roster, will head to Ireland after his sixth and final Super Rugby season. The 29-year-old Samoan international has signed with Leinster and will depart once the Crusaders complete the inaugural transtasman Super Rugby competition, ideally with another final appearance. Alaalatoa’s offshore move has been in the pipeline for several months, but was only confirmed today ahead of the seventh round Super Rugby Aotearoa clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night. Alaalatoa launched his Super Rugby career with the Waratahs before moving to the Crusaders in 2016. The Sydney-born forward's last game for Samoa was in the World Cup against Ireland where he lined up against many of his future Leinster colleagues.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 12, 2021 22:56 UTC