Rugby: Wallabies greats Stephen Hoiles and George Gregan slam NZ Rugby over Pete Samu demands

Pete Samu. Photo / Photosport

Former Wallabies Stephen Hoiles and George Gregan have criticised New Zealand Rugby for demanding financial compensation to release Pete Samu to play for Australia.

Samu is set to miss out on making his test debut for the Wallabies against Ireland this month after NZR confirmed its proposal hadn't been met.

It is believed NZR's cash demand of $50,000 to release Samu to play for the Wallabies was rejected by Rugby Australia.

NZR's Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said in a statement:

"We have attempted to resolve this matter in good faith but our proposals have not been accepted. New Zealand Rugby remains open to resolving the issues."

RA has yet to officially comment on the matter.

Hoiles, a former teammate of Samu at Randwick, expressed his dismay at NZR's demands.

"I think if Pete Samu was New Zealand born, New Zealand raised, then it would be fair for them to say we need to be compensated," Hoiles said on Fox Sports Australia.

"But Pete Samu is born and raised in Melbourne, he's played all of his club rugby in Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. He's an Australian, he wants to play for Australia.

"You hear all this stuff about we need to see Australian rugby strong again - well this is their chance to try and help us.

"For a guy they didn't want to pick, $50,000, I wouldn't be paying it either. It's a matter of principle.

"Without doubt it's tacky."

Former Wallabies captain Gregan was also critical of NZR's hard line stance, saying it was harsh on Samu.

"You're actually denying a player from doing the ultimate in his sport, which is representing his country, the Wallabies," Gregan said.

"They've passed up on the opportunity to make him play for the All Blacks, they said 'no, he's not in our top 30 plus players.'

"But there's a real opportunity for him to play international rugby here in this country, he played all his rugby here.

"So it's disappointing."

Samu's availability to play for the Wallabies is reportedly compromised by the contract he has signed to play for Tasman during the Mitre 10 Cup.

NZR were happy to release Samu only if they were reimbursed for the full value of his contract which is believed to be $50,000.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson and chief executive Hamish Riach were both supportive of Samu's desire to don the Wallabies jersey.