Clermont has separated by mutual agreement and with immediate effect from an international pillar of its squad, the Samoan Michael Ala’Alatoa. This will now play in Munster in Ireland.
When he settled in Puy-de-Dôme in 2024, Michael Ala’Alatoa brought some relief to fans of the Jaunards, orphans of Rabah Slimani who went into exile in Leinster, the former club of his replacement. However, the experience of the right pillar as well as his solidity in closed scrums were not enough to make him succeed in his time in Auvergne where he ultimately only stayed for one season. Because since this Wednesday the information is official, the Samoan will return to Ireland but he will defend the colors of Munster there.
“ASM Clermont Auvergne and the right pillar, Michael Ala’Alatoa, have decided by mutual agreement to put an end to the Auvergne adventure with immediate effect” we read in the press release published by the club at midday. Expected to play for two seasons at Marcel-Michelin, the 34-year-old will probably take on one of the last challenges of his career. This season he has not appeared at all in an official match with ASM. This Tuesday he played in its entirety the qualifying play-off for the World Cup for Samoa (13-13 draw against Belgium) with whom he should participate in a new World Cup after that of 2023 in France.
“The entire club where he has shown great professionalism throughout his time, wishes him good luck for the rest of his career” wrote the Auvergne team at the conclusion of its press release. Consequently, Michael Ala’Alatoa will not team up with his selection partner, hooker Seilala Lam, recruited last week from Perpignan.
