Michael Cheika is to be without explosive flanker Pete Samu for the upcoming games against Ireland after the Australian Rugby turned down a New Zealand rugby demand of financial compensation for the services of the Crusaders player.
Ireland are set to play three tests against Australia for their June tour, as they look to finish an extraordinary season for Irish rugby on a high. It has emerged that Australia will be without Samu for that game who was expected to make his test debut.
Neither union has publicly declared what the proposed deal was, but numerous reports suggest New Zealand Rugby wanted cash compensation in order to free Samu from his contract. The Daily Telegraph reported the fee at $50,000. New Zealand Rugby have confirmed its stipulations were not met by Australia and the player is unavailable.
Former Leinster coach turned Wallabies boss, Michael Cheike told Macquarie Sports Radio he was surprised by the affair:
I was a bit surprised to find out that there's a compensation issue around this. 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.
The end result is that Samu will not tog out against Ireland next week. The opening test is scheduled for the 9 June in Brisbane.
