New Zealand set to block Wallaby selection of Aussie-raised Crusader Pete Samu
HE was raised in Australia and will join the Brumbies next season but NZ Rugby appear set to block a release for Crusaders flanker Pete Samu if Michael Cheika picks the loose forward for the Wallabies.
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NEW Zealand Rugby appear set to play hardball and block a “Brad Shields-style” release for Crusaders flanker Pete Samu if Michael Cheika picks the Aussie-raised forward for Wallabies duty.
And a delay in Samu returning a signed contract to the Brumbies could sink the Wallabies’ option anyway.
The Daily Telegraph revealed in April that Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was targeting Samu for a return to Australia, and possible inclusion in the Test squad.
The 26-year-old, who was raised in Melbourne and went to New Zealand in 2014 after missing a spot at the Waratahs, has agreed to join the Brumbies next season.
With depth at blindside flanker an issue in Australia following an injury to Ned Hanigan at the weekend, and Sean McMahon now in Japan, Samu has come into the frame for the Australian squad for the June series against Ireland.
Although in New Zealand, he would become eligible to play for the Wallabies after signing with the Brumbies and RA to play in Australia next season. The eligibility loophole has only ever been used in the past for players returning from Europe, like Will Genia and Quade Cooper.
But a spanner in the works is that Samu is also eligible for New Zealand, having spent more than three years there playing for Tasman and the Crusaders. The skilful flanker is currently under contract with the Crusaders, and also has a contract to play Mitre Ten Cup for Tasman from August.
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So, with what would amount to dual eligibility, Samu is in the same boat as Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields, who was picked by Eddie Jones to play for England in South Africa next month.
The NZR said it was within its legal rights to block Shields from playing for England until after his Hurricanes contract expired, but gave the 27-year-old a dispensation given his long service.
It was stressed in the NZR statement, however, Shield’s case was a “special exception”.
“Our contract agreement requires Brad to be available for only New Zealand teams until the end of his term,” NZR head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said.
Contacted by the Daily Telegraph about whether Samu would be released if selected by the Wallabies, Lendrum said: “Pete Samu is currently contracted to the Crusaders and Tasman for 2018.”
NZR declined to comment further but also forwarded a copy of the Brad Shields statement. It was intended to be a reminder that Shields’ release was a “special exception”.
Whether Samu is even eligible to be picked for the Wallabies in the June series against Ireland remains a moot point, too.
Despite agreeing to terms, the Daily Telegraph understands the Brumbies are still waiting on Samu to return a signed contract, which was expected to arrive back this week but hasn’t.
Samu, who played with Randwick between 2011 and 2013 and did a pre-season with the Waratahs, admitted this month he was looking at an Australian move.
“I am definitely considering my options,” Samu confirmed. “But my priority at the moment is the Crusaders campaign, that is my sole focus. I leave all that stuff to my agent, he handles that.”
Cheika admitted Samu was on his radar on Wednesday.
“He’s obviously playing good footy, he was on the fringes there at the [NSW Waratahs] when I was coaching there,” Cheika told Kick and Chase on Fox Sports.
“He’s a solid guy, a good lad as well.”
Samu has played for Tasman since 2014, and after starring for the Crusaders’ development side in 2015, was signed to a full contract in 2016. He was on the bench for the Crusaders’ Super Rugby final victory last year.
Originally published as New Zealand set to block Wallaby selection of Aussie-raised Crusader Pete Samu