Brumbies sign Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu for 2019 season

THE Brumbies have pulled off a signing coup by landing Wallaby in waiting Pete Samu for the 2019 Super Rugby season. The 26-year-old loose forward was born in Melbourne and is a member of the champion Crusaders squad.

Pete Samu of the Crusaders leaves the field at AMI Stadium.

THE Brumbies have pulled off a signing coup by landing Wallaby in waiting Pete Samu for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

The 26-year-old loose forward was born in Melbourne and is a member of the champion Crusaders squad.

Samu is expected to be named in the Wallabies squad to play Ireland on Wednesday, although it remains unclear whether New Zealand Rugby will release him with their blessing.

Samu played Sydney club rugby with Randwick before getting his Super Rugby start with the Crusaders in 2016.

Capable of playing anywhere in the back row but primarily used as a blindside flaker by the Crusaders, Samu could potentially start against Ireland with the Wallabies’ loose forward stocks looking thin outside of standouts Michael Hooper and David Pocock.

“I am thrilled by the challenge of joining the Brumbies and am looking forward to taking to the field for the club,” Samu said.

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“The Brumbies are well renowned throughout Super Rugby for being a successful club and for having a fantastic playing culture.

“I am excited to get to Canberra, settle in and get out onto the field.

“I’d like to thank the Crusaders for giving me a chance at this level and wish them all the best for the future.”

Samu is 1.85m and 102kg and will add plenty to a Brumbies loose forward mix that already features Pocock, Isi Naisarani, Rob Valetini, Lachie McCaffrey and Tom Cusack.

“We are delighted that Peter Samu has agreed to join the Brumbies for the 2019 Super Rugby season,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.

“Peter is a powerful backrower with good speed and a skillset that suits how we want to play at the Brumbies.

“He comes from a highly successful program and has enjoyed success at both Mitre 10 Cup and Super Rugby level.

“Having been involved in trophy winning sides in both those competitions, he brings a winning mindset to the group and we look forward to his arrival.”

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AT A GLANCE

Name: Pete Samu

DOB: 17/12/1991

Position: Backrow

Height: 1.85m

Weight: 102kg

Born: Melbourne

Super Rugby debut: 2016 v Blues in Christchurch

Super Rugby caps: 28

Super Rugby tries: 8

Former clubs: Randwick, Tasman, Crusaders

WALLABIES SQUAD REVEALED!

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— The team will cross LIVE to Michael Cheika for the announcement, who will be stationed at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

— The team will capture the reaction from four senior players, with LIVE crosses to Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne, while a NSW representative will join the panel in studio.

— The majority of the squad will only find out if they made the cut while watching the show.

Originally published as Brumbies sign Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu for 2019 season