Crusaders sign Douglas as Samu replacement

The Crusaders have moved quickly to cover the departure of Pete Samu, signing Italian-based No.8 Whetu Douglas for the next two Super Rugby seasons.

Douglas will return to the team where he made a bright, if brief, impression last year.

The abrasive 27-year-old stood out in five starts at No.8 before departing for Italian club Treviso.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson hopes to harness the athleticism of the former Maori All Blacks forward, whose raw potential he believes is still untapped.

Douglas effectively replaces Samu who will leave at the end of the current campaign after signing with the ACT Brumbies from next year.

Samu wasn't included in the Wallabies squad announced on Wednesday as New Zealand Rugby considers whether to grant him a temporary release from his Crusaders contract.