NZ Rugby puts forward mystery proposal to allow Pete Samu to play for the Wallabies
Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu takes on the Hurricanes during their Super Rugby match last Friday.
New Zealand Rugby has put a proposal to Rugby Australia that it says would allow Crusaders loose forward Pete Samu to be available for the Wallabies against Ireland in June.
"Rugby Australia is currently contemplating this proposal," NZR head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said in a statement on Thursday.
However, the detail of the proposal is unknown. It's been speculated in Australia that NZR has asked for money. NZR is not commenting on that.
The Wallabies announced their squad for the June series on Wednesday night, with Samu's name missing but coach Michael Cheika saying a place was available for him.
READ MORE:
* Samu not named but Cheika hopeful
* Wallabies sweat on Samu selection
* Brumbies won't release Walllabies
* New Wallaby: I owe it to the garbos
* Super Rugby: five things to look for
Melbourne-born Samu earlier this week signed to join the Brumbies this year, but to be eligible to play for the Wallabies this year he needs clearance from the NZR.
That had been requested by Australia, but an answer had not been forthcoming in time for the Wallabies squad announcement.
Cheika only named five loose forwards in his squad pending a decision on Samu.
"There are things that are out of my hands at the moment, but I am hoping they will come into my hands by tomorrow," he said on Tuesday night.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said on Thursday the issue had not been a distraction for his side, who wished Samu well.
"My view is the same as the one the NZRU have come up with, really," he said. "There is a process for it. We support Pete, either way, whatever happens with the decision."
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach had earlier stated his organisation had no issue with Samu joining the Wallabies. Complicating the matter is the fact that under World Rugby rules Samu has dual eligibility, which entitles New Zealand Rugby to decline the Australian Rugby Union's request.
Pete Samu, who will join the Brumbies next season, is the subject of a trans-Tasman rugby negotiation.
Robertson stuck to his position of supporting New Zealand Rugby. "He is going to be a Wallaby at some stage isn't he? If it is in June, and they decide it, then great – good on him. He's an Australian who wants to play for Australia, he is good enough to be a Wallaby so we will see when that occurs."
Robertson said there there were no ill-feelings towards Samu and given Whetu Douglas, who was a sensation for the Crusaders in the first half of last season, will return to the club for 2019-20 following a stint with Italian club Treviso there is a capable replacement set to return.
Samu made his first-class debut for Tasman in 2014 after moving from Sydney, and was picked for the Crusaders in 2016.
- Stuff
Comments