Wallabies scrum cornerstone Allan Alaalatoa has signed a four-year contract extension, keeping him in Australian rugby through to the 2023 World Cup.
The 24-year-old tighthead prop says he rejected interest from overseas clubs to stay long-term with the Wallabies and Super Rugby’s Brumbies.
Big and mobile, Alaalatoa has amassed 30 Test caps since his debut in 2016.
He is currently holding off the challenge for the Wallabies starting spot from rising star Taniela Tupou and 100-Test veteran Sekope Kepu as Australia prepare for their Spring Tour of Wales, Italy and England.
“I was already contracted for next year but when the opportunity came up to stay until the next Rugby World Cup, I discussed it with my family and the decision was a pretty easy one,” he said.
““The fans have also been very good to me and I appreciate their support and am looking forward to creating more memories with them with what is a strong squad pushing for a Super Rugby title,” he added.
Coach Dan McKellar said he was “very excited” by the prop’s decision to re-sign.
“He’s the cornerstone of our set-piece,” McKellar said.
“His numbers each week with ball carry, tackles made, and breakdown involvements are consistently high and his work off the ball is outstanding.
“On and off the field Al is highly respected by all at the Brumbies and he has already shown strong leadership qualities. Without doubt over the next few years we will see Allan become an important leader of our club,” he added.
John R
Roar Guru
You know that contracts aren't paid up front aye mate?
jameswm
Roar Guru
Peever did apparently.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Why exactly? RA will be paying for a certain number of players each calendar year. Does it matter if it is player A for 4 years or player A for 2, then B for 2? Given that signing a player up for 4 probably means RA gets a discount. So it could well be that longer contract are actually cheaper.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Turnbull should have had Allan’s manager.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
..excellent post Steview....Brother Mike is doing just fine with the Crusaders and Manawatu....he will be the next AB prop post RWC2019...so will become a NZ Citizen and be the beneficiary of outstanding NZ Rugby coaching...surpassing his Brother ...
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Obviously RA is flush with funds...all of these 4-5 year contracts must be emptying the bank..
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Tupou a rising star...? he was shown by grown men how to play the game in Yokohama...as for the Brother of Mr Ala'alatoa who plays for the Crusaders in SR and Manawatu in the NPC...soon he will become an AB I think...?
steview
Guest
Why would his brother come back here? FFS! If anything it is dumb by Allan to stay at brumbies. he could also have been Coached by Robertson and co, or coached by the learners (Fisher aside) at the brumbies. Allan will just stay the same! Or even get worse! Mike will surpass him as an allround footy player!
riddler
Roar Rookie
i don't agree james. bear with me as i try to explain my logic on this. from an organisation pov and player pov, 2 year contracts give both parties the chance to renegotiate on a fair and timely basis. professional intl oz rugby career is on average how long 6-8 years? 2 year contracts mean they are signed an avg of 3 to 4 times in a career. that works well for both parties, if a player's form drops then the organisation can readjust accordingly or if their form increases then likewise the player can justify more. how many cases just recently have we seen where someone is playing on a 3 year contract and their form drops after one year and they are out of the team altogether. we shouldn't be afraid of people leaving if we don't give them a 4 or 5 year contract. an international quality player from 21 to 27 playing well will be playing 12-14 tests a year plus super contract. that is fantastic money. setting up for life money. house paid, kids education covered etc. they stay for those years and then they have the 60 cap requirement covered. they can then come over this way, if the market wants them, get more cash, once again if the market wants them. we seem to be glorifying some of the oz players over here thinking that they would solve our problems. fardy, mowen and white are realistically the ones which we need back. none of the rest would make much difference. to be honest one of the best oz recruits in the top 14 over past 10 years has been brock james. he wouldn't get a look in any super team sadly. just because some 'big' names are over here doesn't mean that they are playing well or are missed in oz.
TimO
Roar Rookie
They need to get his brother Mike back too
jameswm
Roar Guru
Except for props. Great stuff I say. We need to keep all our good players here long term.
riddler
Roar Rookie
Once again.. 2 year contracts, max of 3 on the rarest of occasions... Never anymore than 3.