'A real point of difference': Waratahs lure Test star back home from France
Updated . First published at
The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their backrow stocks with the signing of ex-Wallabies star Pete Samu on a two-year deal.
Samu, 33, is playing for Bordeaux in France and helped fire the Top 14 club into the Champions Cup final against Northampton in Cardiff on May 24.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar worked with Samu during his previous stints with the ACT Brumbies and Wallabies.
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Pete Samu of the Wallabies watches on as the scrum packs. Getty
Samu has played 33 Tests and is in the mix for a return against the British and Irish Lions this year.
He was briefly in a Waratahs training squad while playing for Randwick.
"My family and I are really happy to be coming home. We've enjoyed our time in France but it's the right time for us to return to Australia," Samu said.
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"It feels like a full circle moment to come back to Sydney, a place I started my journey to playing professional Rugby and I'm looking forward to linking back up with Dan and the Waratahs who I'm confident are heading in a positive direction.
"I'm also highly motivated by the upcoming events in Australian rugby and will certainly be working hard to give myself the best chance to be part of them and earn another opportunity in the gold jersey."
Samu's recruitment helps offset Angus Bell's decision to play for Ulster next season.
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"He's a player who brings a real point of difference. He's an athletic backrower with genuine skill. He can open up a game, and has versatility to cover eight, seven or six," McKellar said.
"He has played the game at Test level and obviously had a very good season with Bordeaux in France.
"He's going to be a great addition to our group. He is a quiet man, quietly spoken, but talks through his actions. I look forward to working with Pete again."
