The Wallabies have received a huge boost heading into the 2023 season, with experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa officially re-signing through to the home 2027 World Cup.
Alaalatoa, 28, signed a four-year deal with the Brumbies and RA earlier this month, but was announced on Monday morning. His deal confirms an earlier report from The Roar in the days before Christmas.
His deal, The Roar understands, has the option for a sabbatical season. However, with a Lions series in 2025 and a home World Cup in 2027, it is by no means a certainty he will take up that option.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in Australian rugby,” Alaalatoa said.
“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.”
Allan Ala’alatoa has re-signed with Australian rugby for another four years. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Alaalatoa’s signature is an important one.
No side can succeed without a strong tight-head prop and Alaalatoa’s retention means Australian rugby can build around him.
He captained the Wallabies against Italy and while the historic defeat was an ugly chapter in the game’s history, his leadership and strong core values are highly valued in Australian rugby.
“Allan is a great man and it’s a huge positive for all Australian rugby supporters that he’s re-committed long-term,” Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said in a statement.
“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.”
While returning head coach Stephen Larkham described Alaalatoa’s retention as “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,” Larkham said.
Allan Alaalatoa will be at the Brumbies until 2027. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Alaalatoa said the Wallabies’ playing group were “shocked” when the news broke a week ago that Dave Rennie had been sacked as head coach.
But Alaalatoa, who made his debut against the All Blacks in 2016, said he recognised that Eddie Jones had a history with developing players and winning and he expected the returning Wallabies coach to make an impact.
“That’s the vibe you get straight away, you just don’t know now, especially with a lot of the boys here now, who haven’t been coached by him before,” Alaalatoa told The Herald.
“But what we have spoken about already is we can only control what we can control. If you want to be part of those discussions with Eddie you have to train well and perform well in your state union. So again, you will see a lift in the Super Rugby competition, and that’s awesome. That’s what you want.”
He added: “The stats don’t lie, he knows how to win and at the end of the day that’s what we want to do as players, and as a country.
“I haven’t been coached by Eddie but from a few of the past players I have got the gist of the way he coaches, and from the vibe I am getting what you do know with Eddie is you are going to get better. As a player, if you don’t want to get better, you’re in the wrong job.”
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