BREAKING NEWS: The Wallabies have today announced that Pete Samu has been released by New Zealand Rugby, to become available for the 2018 Qantas Wallabies fixtures.
In an new development, this announcement by Rugby Australia goes against earlier rumours that compensation had been sought; and not considered, for Samu’s Mitre 10 Cup team, the Tasman Mako.
It now means that Michael Cheika can formally write 26 year old Pete Samu down on his team sheet; after announcing a 32 man squad to play in the Australia v Ireland test series.
Wallabies announced Pete Samu released by New Zealand Rugby
Released at 1pm (Australian time) the media release states that ‘Crusaders flanker Pete Samu has been released to play for the Wallabies in 2018, after a back and forth between Australia and New Zealand’.
After initial indications that a form of compensation had been sought; on behalf of the players Mitre 10 Cup team, the Tasman Mako, in a process that professional sport now follows. The ‘transfer fee’ or player compensation was reportedly requested, and not immediately accepted to. But with this announcement, negotiation must have been successfully completed on Saturday or on Sunday morning.
Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said she was happy a compromise had finally been reached. “I want to thank New Zealand Rugby for their consideration in releasing Peter for international duties,” she said.
“Our discussions were robust but fair and I’m pleased we’ve reached an agreement to allow Peter the opportunity to represent his country.”
Pete Samu was born in Australia, and began playing for Tasman in 2014. Signing for the Crusaders in 2016.
Samu is now free to represent Australia in June, and then finish his contract with the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He can then join the Canberra Vikings for the NRC (National Rugby Championship) in Australia.
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