The ugly standoff between Rugby Australia (RA) and the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) over Melbourne-born Crusaders flanker Pete Samu is over with the 26-year-old cleared today to join the Wallabies squad in Brisbane ahead of the opening match of the three Test Series against world No2 Ireland on Saturday.
Samu’s release had been held up after the NZR had reportedly demanded NZD$50,000 in compensation for the player who has signed to play for the Brumbies in Super Rugby next season.
One of Super Rugby’s most consistent players Samu has scored eight tries in 28 games for the ladder leaders since making his debut against the Blues in 2016.
He is expected to slot directly into Michael Cheika’s match day 23 and may even start against Ireland at Suncorp this Saturday night.
Samu’s defection follows on Hurricanes captain and flanker Brad Shields joining England for their upcoming series against South Africa.
"Tacky."
— Fox Sports Rugby (@FOXRugbyLive) June 2, 2018
Former @qantaswallabies @stevehoiles and @GeorgeGregan have expressed their dismay at New Zealand Rugby’s demands for financial compensation to release Crusaders flanker Pete Samu for the Ireland Test series: https://t.co/A0Nqv1kpaw pic.twitter.com/KNGQEF4WmR
RA Chief Executive Raelene Castle said: “I want to thank New Zealand Rugby for their consideration in releasing Peter for international duties.
“Our discussions were robust but fair and I’m pleased we’ve reached an agreement to allow Peter the opportunity to represent his country,” Castle said.
Samu will return to New Zealand after the Ireland series before completing his club duties for the Crusaders.
At the end of his Super Rugby commitments, Samu will be released from the final year of his contract with Tasman Rugby Union and eligible for selection in the Wallabies squad for Rugby Championship and for the Canberra Vikings in the 2018 National Rugby Championship (NRC).
He will be an exciting addition for the Vikings in the NRC this season as they aim to go one better in 2018 after finishing runners-up last year.
