Munster have confirmed the signing of tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa from Clermont Auvergne on a seven-month deal. The 34-year-old, who has 24 international caps and has played at two World Cups, is currently on international duty with Manu Samoa. His contract at Thomond Park will begin on December 1. Ala’alatoa previously played with Leinster, making 62 appearances and scoring six tries between 2021 and 2024.
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Kylian Mbappé is seeking €263 million from Paris Saint-Germain, claiming unpaid wages and damages, while his former club is demanding €240 million as compensation for his failed transfer to Al-Hilal. The long running financial dispute finally reached a Paris labour court today however it is expected it will take several weeks before a decision is reached.
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Rugby’s leading nations have united to announce a blanket ban on playing international matches for recruits to the proposed breakaway R360 league. England, New Zealand, Ireland and France are among those who currently either favour or exclusively pick players from their domestic competitions. That meant signing up to the globe-trotting R360 itinerary was always set to put their players’ Test careers on hold.
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A decision on whether Crystal Palace can compete in next season’s Europa League has been delayed by Uefa. The Eagles’ place, earned by winning the FA Cup last season, has been under threat because of Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules, which prevents teams under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition. Co-owner John Textor, who also co-owns French club Lyon, has agreed to sell his 44% stake in Palace in a bid to help their case.
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Seven-time French champions Lyon, owned by American businessman John Textor, have been relegated to the second tier of French football due to the club’s financial problems, the French Professional League announced on Tuesday evening. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 and reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League last season, plan to appeal the decision in the hopes of retaining their top flight status.
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