Alaalatoa signs on through to 2023 World Cup
Today at 9:00 AM International
by Sam Phillips
Allan Alaalatoa isn't going anywhere, signing a four year extension with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia which will keep him in the country until the 2023 World Cup.
The 24-year-old prop has taken serious strides this season after largely featuring for the Wallabies off the bench in 2017.
His form forced Sekope Kepu out of the starting XV when the Wallabies fell to the All Blacks in Auckland and his constant presence in the 23 since that match is indicative of the esteem in which coach Michael Cheika holds the Brumbies tighthead.
He displaced Taniela Tupou in the Australian No. 3 jersey against the All Blacks in Yokohama and that job at the World Cup is now his to lose.
“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.
“There’s a great future ahead for the Wallabies. We have a young squad that’s developing each year so I’m just excited to hopefully be part of this group and what it can achieve.
“There was a bit of interest from overseas which is always something you consider but for me, first and foremost, was to stay with Australian Rugby and the Brumbies.
“We have a tough camp here (in Odawara, Japan) this week and a bit of a review from the disappointing result against the All Blacks. Really looking forward to the three Tests over in the UK. It’s going to be tough but it’s something the boys are keen for,” Alaalatoa said.
In Japan last week Cheika said he views the young tighthead as a leader within this Wallabies group.
"We know it's a seed project around leadership in our team and we haven't had that generation have it passed down to them," Cheika said.
"Even though it's a young leadership team Allan is a huge part of that and he will be part of that leadership team for a long time."
http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2018/10...-contract-2023
