Alaimalo heads south

Gallagher Chief Solomon Alaimalo has signed a three-year deal with the Highlanders. He may have been educated at St Bede's College in Christchurch but he has played most of his rugby in the North Island making his first class debut for Northland in 2016 before a single season with Tasman in 2018 and then in 2019 signing for Waikato.

The 24 year old outside back has clocked up 44 Super Rugby games for the Gallagher Chiefs. It was in the act of scoring his last try against the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa that he sustained a shoulder injury that forced him out this year’s Mitre 10 season.

Alaimalo states he has thoroughly enjoyed his time as a Gallagher Chief but is looking forward to his next step:

“I enjoyed every minute of my time with the Gallagher Chiefs but I'm looking forward to this opportunity down south to compete and add value where I can.”

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Michael Collins wished Alaimalo all the very best:

"Solomon has been an exciting back for the Gallagher Chiefs, while we are sad to see him go we know he has a bright future ahead and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop. He has chosen for an early release to join the Highlanders and we have accepted his request to join them in the 2021 season. We hope he returns from injury and takes the field in due course."