Michael Savea Ala'alatoa, born on August 28, 1991, is a professional rugby union player known for his role as a prop. He currently plays for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship and the Heineken Champions Cup.
Ala'alatoa comes from a rugby-oriented family, with his father Vili having been a member of the Samoa squad for the 1991 Rugby World Cup. He grew up participating in various sports, including rugby, volleyball, and cricket.
His rugby talent stood out, and he spent three years playing in the Newington College First XV. He then progressed through the ranks in the New South Wales Shute Shield, initially representing Southern Districts and later West Harbour. His impressive performances at that level caught the attention of the Waratahs, and he became a regular member of their wider training squad in 2014.
In 2014, Ala'alatoa was called up to the Waratahs' first team as a replacement for the injured Paddy Ryan in the final round of league matches in the Super Rugby season. He made his debut as a second-half replacement in the Waratahs' victory over the Reds.
In preparation for the 2015 ITM Cup, Ala'alatoa moved to New Zealand and signed with Manawatu, where he had a solid season. His performances earned him a super rugby contract with the Crusaders in 2016.
In April 2021, it was announced that Ala'alatoa would be joining Leinster to play in the Pro14 and European Cup competitions starting from the 2021/22 season.
Throughout his career, Ala'alatoa has showcased his skills as a prop and has gained considerable experience. He has represented the Crusaders and played in the Mitre 10 Cup, accumulating a significant number of caps in Super Rugby. His move to Leinster presents a new chapter in his rugby journey as he competes in top-level competitions in Europe.
Ahead of the World Rugby Cup 2023, Alaalatoa has been named in the squad for Samoa.
KG(05/07/2023)
