'Huge positive' as prop commits to Wallabies
TRANSFER NEWS: Rugby Australia and the Brumbies are thrilled to announce prop Allan Alaalatoa has committed his future to Australian Rugby until the end of 2027.
The agreement will see the inspirational Brumbies skipper plying his trade in Super Rugby Pacific for the next four years, with the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025 and home Rugby World Cup two years later firmly in the 28-year-old’s sights.
Highly respected by coaches, fans and his peers, Alaalatoa only strengthened his reputation in 2022, taking out the Brumbies Players’ Player of the Year award for a third time as well as his second RUPA Medal of Excellence, a prestigious award voted by all Australian Super Rugby players.
Alaalatoa also became the 85th Wallabies captain when he led his country on last year’s Tour and also played a pivotal role in the side’s remarkable comeback victory against Wales.
Having made his Test debut in 2016, Alaalatoa has gone on to wear the gold jersey 62 times and is the first current Wallaby to commit to Australian Rugby until 2027.
Wallabies and Brumbies prop, Allan Alaalatoa said: “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in Australian Rugby.”
“The chance to continue to build a life for me and my family in Canberra and come to work every day at a club that means the world to me is special and I’ll be proud to continue wearing the Brumbies jersey for the next four years.
“It’s an exciting time for Rugby in Australia and I’m really looking forward to this year where we have the chance to do something great at both the Brumbies and with the Wallabies.”
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “Allan is a great man and it’s a huge positive for all Australian Rugby supporters that he’s re-committed long-term.”
“He’s hugely respected by the rugby community and an outstanding role model, who sets an example for others to follow both on and off the field.
“With 62 Tests for the Wallabies, a player of his experience committing to the long-term future of the game in Australia is significant and there’s no doubt he has a real desire to bring success to the gold jersey.”
Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “Having Allan committed long term is huge for the club.”
“From the start we knew Al would become a special player, but to see his progression as a leader on and off the field has been wonderful to see, and with the standards he sets in training, his genuine care for his teammates, we’re fortunate to have a person of his calibre at the Brumbies.”
