Wallabies backrow Samu to stay in Australia for now

Wallabies and Brumbies backrower Pete Samu has re-signed with Australian rugby until the end of 2023 – the union have confirmed.

The deal will see Samu to the Rugby World Cup but no further.

“Pete’s a great team man and we’re thrilled he’s extended his commitment to Australian Rugby,” said Wallabies coach Dave Rennie. “His athleticism and speed are a point of difference across the backrow and we think his best footy lies ahead of him in the gold jersey.

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“He’s had an unorthodox journey to get to where he is and you can see how motivated he is to make the most of his opportunities.”

The 30-year-old Samu has settled at the Brumbies after a unique rugby story saw him play in Cornwall in the United Kingdom straight out of school before returning to play for Randwick in Sydney.

This was followed by a stint in New Zealand where the Melbourne born flanker won two Super Rugby Championships with the Crusaders. The 6’1, 102kg forward was lured home to Australia in 2018 to the Brumbies where he again tasted Super Rugby success in 2020.

Known for his athleticism, speed and skill, the versatile backrower made his International debut in 2018 against Ireland but narrowly missed selection in the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.

He has since gone on to wear the Wallaby gold 19 times, starting at openside flanker against Wales in the side’s final Test of 2021 and will chase a maiden Rugby World Cup berth in 2023.

Wallabies and Brumbies backrower, Pete Samu said: “I’m really happy to have my future sorted out early on in the year so I can focus on playing my best Rugby for the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific. I’ve loved my time here at the Brumbies since coming over in 2018, it’s a special club and my family and I are really settled here in Canberra.

“I feel I’ve got a lot of improvement left in my game and to be able to work alongside world class coaches like Laurie (Fisher) and Dan (McKellar) week in week out will help me achieve that.”

Brumbies coach, Dan McKellar said: “It’s great for the Brumbies to have Pete locked in for another season.”

“He’s got a point of difference in attack you don’t see from many backrowers and when he’s healthy and on form, he’s a genuine match winner.

“He bought into what we’re about here at the Brumbies from very early on and he’s extremely popular, both within our group and among our members and supporters so we’re all thrilled to have him in a Brumbies jersey until the end of 2023.”