NZR puts Samu ‘proposal’ to Australian counterpart

WELLINGTON: Pete Samu’s availability for the Wallabies is in the hands of Rugby Australia following an undisclosed proposition made by New Zealand Rugby.

The Samu saga took an intriguing twist late yesterday when NZ Rugby said it would allow Samu to play for Australia in the threetest series in June if it would agree to certain terms.

It would not reveal the nature of the conditions, but AAP understands NZR is seeking substantial financial compensation.

NZR would not confirm that, simply saying it was over to Rugby Australia to agree if Crusaders loose forward Samu is to be temporarily released from his NZR contract.

The Melbourneborn 26yearold was not named in the Wallabies squad unveiled on Wednesday, leaving coach Michael Cheika hopeful NZR would grant clearance.

Now it seems Cheika must await Rugby Australia’s response to the offer made by NZR head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum.

‘‘We put a proposal to Rugby Australia early today that would allow Pete Samu to be available for selection in June and for the Rugby Championship,’’ Lendrum said in a written statement.

‘‘Rugby Australia is currently contemplating this proposal.’’

Lendrum insists NZR is entitled to block Samu’s release because his contract commits him to New Zealand, which he is also eligible to represent.

In a similar recent scenario, NZR eventually granted a release for flanker Brad Shields to represent England against South Africa next month.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have moved quickly to cover Samu, signing Italianbased No 8 Whetu Douglas for the next two Super Rugby seasons.

Maori All Black Douglas will return to the team where he made a bright, if brief, impression last year.

The abrasive 27yearold stood out in five starts at No 8 before departing for Italian club Treviso. — AAP