Munster have confirmed the signing of tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa from Clermont Auvergne on a seven-month deal. The 34-year-old, who has 24 international caps and has played at two World Cups, is currently on international duty with Manu Samoa. His contract at Thomond Park will begin on December 1. Ala’alatoa previously played with Leinster, making 62 appearances and scoring six tries between 2021 and 2024.
Read more
Rampant France took control of the Six Nations title race as they scored 34 unanswered points to thrash Ireland in Dublin and end the home side’s Grand Slam hopes. Despite losing captain Antoine Dupont to a suspected “serious” knee injury after 30 minutes, France scored three second-half tries to move two points clear of Ireland at the top and avenge last year’s defeat in Marseille.
Read more
Thomas Ramos kicked the winning penalty from the halfway line as France edged England in a seven-try thriller to finish second in the 2024 Six Nations. After Ireland’s title win in Dublin, the hosts led 16-3 in Lyon before Ollie Lawrence scored either side of the break to hand England the advantage. Marcus Smith stretched their lead but Leo Barre and Gael Fickou hit back.
Read more
Paolo Garbisi’s injury-time penalty hit the post as Italy were denied a famous first Six Nations victory in France. The fly-half looked set to seal the historic win until the ball fell off the tee, which resulted in a rushed attempt due to the shot clock. Ange Capuozzo’s late try and Garbisi’s difficult conversion had drawn Italy level against the 14-man hosts.
Read more
Scotland were denied by an inconclusive last-gasp try review as France held on to win a tense Six Nations encounter at Murrayfield. Replays suggested the ball was grounded in a huge heap of writhing bodies, but referee Nic Berry had called no-try and the TV pictures could not concretely prove otherwise.
Read more