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New Zealand Rugby demand Australia pay $50,000 for Pete Samu's release - report

June 1, 2018

Coach Scott Robertson said he spoke with Samu about the decision and helped him through it. (Source: Other)

The Wallabies will have to cough up $50,000 for the services of Crusaders flanker Pete Samu, according to a report from Australia's Daily Telegraph.

Samu, 26, is currently involved in a tug-of-war between New Zealand and Australia, with Michael Cheika wanting to have the loose forward in his side to take on Ireland.

However, with Samu contracted to Tasman until the end of this year's Mitre 10 Cup, New Zealand Rugby would have to grant an early release to see him represent the Wallabies later this month.

According to The Daily Telegraph, NZR have requested a payment of $50,000 from their Australian counterparts to seal Samu's early release, with the ARU reluctant to bow to their demands.

World Rugby regulations state that players must be released by their respective unions if and when they're selected, however in Samu's case this wouldn't apply due to the Crusaders' stars dual nationality, living in New Zealand since 2014.

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