Samu commits to 2023

Thu, Feb 24, 2022, 9:00 PM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Pete Samu has committed to Australian Rugby until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.  Photo: Getty Images
Pete Samu has committed to Australian Rugby until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Getty Images

Wallabies and Brumbies backrower Pete Samu has re-signed with Australian Rugby until the end of 2023.

Born in Melbourne, 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, followed by a stint in New Zealand where he won two Super Rugby Championships with the Crusaders.

He was lured home 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.”

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “Pete’s a great team man and we’re thrilled he’s extended his commitment to Australian Rugby.”

“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.

“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.”

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."

Pete Samu

Position: Backrow

Height: 185cm

Weight: 104kg

Born: 17 December 1991

Place of birth: Melbourne, Victoria

Super Rugby debut: 2016 v Blues, Canterbury (Crusaders)

Super Rugby caps: 41 (Brumbies); 28 (Crusaders)

Test debut: 2018 v Ireland, Brisbane

Test caps: 19

Share
The Wallabies will assemble in Sydney for three days early in the new year. Photo: Getty Images
Wallabies to assemble in Sydney in January
Australian Rugby releases "From Green To Gold" Strategy for 2025-2029
Rugby Australia welcomes the Australian Sports Commission’s historic $385 million investment into 70 sports ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games
Rugby Australia welcomes groundbreaking ASC funding commitment
Taniela Tupou returns to the Wallabies side for their final Test of 2024 against Ireland on Saturday afternoon (local time). Photo: Getty Images
McReight, Slipper and Tupou return for Ireland Test