[1] Salanoa progressed to Old Belvedere's senior side, playing in Division 1B of the All-Ireland League, whilst also featuring for Leinster A in the 2018 Cara Cup, a tournament hosted in the United States between Major League Rugby side the New England Free Jacks and the 'A' teams for each of the four Irish provincial clubs.

After training with the senior squad during 2019–20 pre-season, Salanoa made his non-competitive debut for Leinster as a replacement in their 47–17 friendly win against English side Coventry in August 2019,[2] before making his senior competitive debut as a replacement in Leinster's 54–42 win against provincial rivals Ulster in round 8 of the 2019–20 Pro14 on 20 December 2019.

[5] Salanoa scored his first try for Munster in their 31–17 win against Italian side Benetton in round 16 of the 2020–21 Pro14 on 19 March 2021,[6] and made his Champions Cup debut for the province in their 35–14 away win against English club Wasps in round 1 of the 2021–22 Champions Cup on 12 December 2021.

[11] Salanoa was selected in the Emerging Ireland squad that travelled to South Africa to participate in the Toyota Challenge against Currie Cup teams Free State Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas in September–October 2022.

[16] After Tadhg Furlong was ruled out of Ireland's opening round fixture of the 2023 Six Nations Championship against Wales, Salanoa provided injury cover with the senior squad.