Wallabies lock in Samu

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies announced that Wallabies backrower Pete Samu has signed an early two-year extension to his Rugby Australia and Brumbies contract to continue with the club’s Super Rugby journey to 2022.

Samu, who joined the Brumbies from the Crusaders at the beginning of the 2019 season having made his international debut during the previous campaign, was an integral part of the Canberra side that won the Australian Conference and reached the semi-finals of Super Rugby last term.

The robust, strong-tackling, forward made his debut for the club against the Rebels at GIO Stadium in Round 1 and played 958 minutes in his successful first campaign in Australia, crossing for five tries and making 579 metres from 74 carries.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to extend my current Brumbies contract and commit myself to the Brumbies for the next three years,” Samu said of the announcement.

“I feel I have settled in well in Canberra and I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. We have a strong bond within our playing group and a lot of quality in every position and I am looking forward to being able to contribute towards the club’s success.”

Samu’s rugby journey has seen him play in Cornwall in the UK and for Randwick where his performances for the Galloping Greens earned him a place with Tasman in the ITM Cup. From there he headed to Christchurch picking up back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2017 and 2018 before heading to the National Capital.

“Pete did an excellent job for us in his debut season and we are delighted that he has committed to the club long term,” Brumbies Head coach Dan McKellar said.

“He has settled into the group well, played some outstanding rugby last season and is quickly becoming a leader within our team. His improved physicality is nicely complimented by very good skill, speed and rugby smarts. All traits that suit and compliment how we want to play at the Brumbies.

“Pete also offers versatility which is so important to have within a squad over the course of a season. He epitomises the modern backrower with the ability to cover 8, 6 or 7."

The Brumbies Super Rugby campaign, which will be their 25th year of involvement in the premier Southern Hemisphere competition, commences on Friday January 31 with the visit of the Reds to GIO Stadium in Canberra.