Rugby Australia and NZR can't reach Samu agreement

Australian Rugby have reportedly turned down New Zealand Rugby’s request for financial compensation to release Australian-born Crusaders flanker Pete Samu.

The outcome rules Samu out of Test contention for the Wallabies when they take on Ireland later this month.

While still speculation, it was widely reported that NZR asked for cash considerations of $50,000 from Rugby Australia before granting Samu’s release.

NZR lead contract manager Chris Lendrum confirmed in a written statement that Rugby Australia and the NZR hadn’t come to terms.

“We have attempted to resolve this matter in good faith but our proposals have not been accepted,” Lendrum said.

“New Zealand Rugby remains open to resolving the issues.”

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has issued a response to the saga on Australian radio.

“I was a bit surprised to find out that there’s a compensation issue around this,” Cheika told Macquarie Sports Radio on last week.

“I thought the rule that’s been around, about players getting to play in a national week are preserved.

“The kid’s very keen to play for Australia. I feel a bit for him too, it’s a national call up, first time.”

NZR believe they have the right to block Samu’s release despite his eligibility for the two countries, thanks to his New Zealand based contract with the Crusaders.

If released, Samu would join Hurricanes skipper and fellow loose forward Brad Shields in defecting to play international rugby elsewhere.

Shields was granted a release to play for England after a battle between NZR and England’s RFU. Shields will head to England to join Aviva Premiership side Wasps at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season, while Samu will head across the Tasman to join the Brumbies in Canberra.

Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach and head coach Scott Robertson are both in favour of Samu representing Australia.

“He’s going to be a Wallaby at some stage isn’t he? And if they decide that’s in June then good on them,” Robertson said.

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