Rugby Australia has had a second win in the battle for homegrown talent in the space of a week with Wallabies and Brumbies back-rower Pete Samu re-signing until the end of 2023.
Samu left Australia to play in the United Kingdom after school, returned to play in Randwick in Sydney and again broke away from the Australian system, joining the Crusaders in New Zealand.
But the Melbourne product was lured back to Australia when he committed to the Brumbies in 2018 – and his latest signing is another show of faith in Australian rugby.
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The re-signing of Samu comes just days after Wallabies superstar Kurtley Beale penned a deal with Rugby Australia, ensuring the 95-Test back would return from his French club after the Top 14 season.
Samu has made 19 appearances for the Wallabies and will hunt a maiden Rugby World Cup berth in France in 2023.
“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,” Samu said.
“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.”
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Wallabies coach Dave Rennie described Samu as “a great team man” and said Rugby Australia was “thrilled” he’d extended his commitment.
“His athleticism and speed are a point of difference across the back row and we think his best footy lies ahead of him in the gold jersey,” Rennie said.
“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.”
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