Rugby: Pete Samu set to miss out on Wallabies dream

Pete Samu. Photo / Photosport

Crusaders flanker Pete Samu looks set to miss out on making his test debut for the Wallabies against Ireland this month after New Zealand Rugby 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 has been rejected by Rugby Australia.

Late last night Chris Lendrum, NZR's Head of Professional Rugby, 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."

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

This is where the tension lies between NZR and RA. The former has asked that RA compensate Tasman for the loss of Samu.

They are happy for him to be released, but only if they are reimbursed for the full value of his contract which is believed to be $50,000.

RA has yet to comment on whether they have officially rejected NZR's stipulations.

However, the window looks to be closing on Samu's test dream, at least for now, as the Wallabies prepare to head into camp tomorrow for the three-test series against Ireland.

Both parties agreed they can't continue to leave Samu in limbo past today.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he was surprised that money was stopping Samu from playing for his country of birth.

"I was a bit surprised to find out that there's a compensation issue around this," Cheika told Macquarie Sports Radio on Friday.

"I thought the rule that's been around, about players getting to play in a national week are preserved.

"The kid's very keen to play for Australia. I feel a bit for him too, it's a national call up, first time."