Alaalatoa re-signs with BNZ Crusaders

May 2 • General News, Super Rugby • 1370 Views • Comments Off on Alaalatoa re-signs with BNZ Crusaders

BNZ Crusaders’ tight-head prop, Michael Alaalatoa, has re-signed with the team for another two years, following an impressive debut season so far.

Alaalatoa joined the squad for the first time this season, after attracting the attention of the Crusaders coaches playing for Manawatu in the 2015 domestic competition.

BNZ Crusaders Head Coach, Todd Blackadder, commented that Alaalatoa has made the most of his opportunities this season.

“Mike is a talented young player, who has an exciting future ahead of him. He has already made his mark in the squad this year, and is pushing some of the more experienced guys in the group for game time, which is exactly what we asked of him. Mike came here with an outstanding attitude and a determination to improve his game. We’ve been really impressed with his hard work and the results are already showing.”

Alaalatoa made his Super Rugby debut in 2014 for the NSW Waratahs, however, with only one appearance over two seasons, he made the move to New Zealand to gain more playing time during the ITM Cup and push for a Super Rugby contract.

The 24 year old says he is loving playing for the BNZ Crusaders this season and it was an easy decision to sign up for a further two years.

“Todd and the coaching staff have given me a great opportunity and I have been loving playing for this team. I’ve already learnt a lot this season, and I just look forward to every week in the team and putting in the hard work”.

Rugby is in Alaalatoa’s blood, with his father having represented Samoa in the 1991 Rugby World Cup as a tight-head prop, and his younger brother Allan playing at prop for the Brumbies.

He was born and raised in Sydney, where he played three years in his high school First XV, then made his way through the ranks in the New South Wales Shute Shield. He represented Samoa at Under 20 level in the 2011 IRB Junior World Rugby Championship and played for the NSW Country Eagles in the Australian National Championship in 2014.