Roman Salanoa has inked a three-year contract extension with Munster that ties him to the Irish provincial side until at least 2025. The 24-year-old Hawaiian prop is yet to make his United Rugby Championship debut due to injury but appeared in 7 senior games last season.
Despite representing the USA at the 2016 World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament Salanoa is yet to make himself available to the Eagles. His new deal suggests he will not take up that option prior to Rugby World Cup 2023, with most Irish professional contracts requiring players to remain eligible for Ireland.
Having initially joined Leinster’s academy program in September 2017, Salanoa will qualify for Ireland under the new five-year residency rule in September of this year. If selected he would be the first Hawaiian to wear the green jersey, but not the first American-born player. Record points scorer Ronan O’Gara was born in San Diego.