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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Ireland veterans Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray have confirmed they will all retire from international rugby after this year’s Six Nations. While O’Mahony and Healy, Ireland’s most capped player, will step away from club and country at the end of the club season, Murray will head overseas in the summer. All three players have won over 100 caps for Ireland and won five Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams.
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Leinster were unable to shed their losing habit in Investec Champions Cup finals after they were edged 31-22 by Toulouse with only extra time separating the rivals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The two most successful teams in the competition’s history went toe to toe in a thunderous collision with the boot of Thomas Ramos proving decisive for the French side.
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The EPCR have confirmed that Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will appear before a disciplinary committee next month, in relation to his conduct after the Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium in May. Misconduct complaints were brought against Sexton and Leinster by tournament organisers regarding his behaviour towards the match officials immediately after full-time in the final, which Leinster lost 27-26 to La Rochelle.
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Munster’s St. Stephen’s Day Pro14 clash with rivals Leinster has been postponed due to coronavirus issues in the camps. Leinster have said they are investigating the results from their latest round of Covid tests.
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