‘Got more memories to make’: Wallaby Pete Samu to leave Brumbies

Wallaby Pete Samu will leave the ACT Brumbies at the end of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, RugbyRama reported that the former Crusaders flanker had signed a two-year deal with French powerhouse Bordeaux.

While Bordeaux have yet to confirm the multiple reports - there have been no updates since March - the Brumbies have announced that Samu will depart the Australian club at the end of the season.

After winning a Super Rugby title with the champion Crusaders, the Australian-born Samu moved across the ditch after signing with the Brumbies and Australian Rugby ahead of the 2019 season.

Samu played his 50^th match in Brumbies colours against the Chiefs, and is expected to reach 100 Super Rugby appearances later this season.

“I just want to thank the Brumbies and the Canberra community for the past five years,” Samu said in a statement.

“This club and Canberra will always be a special place for me and my family, and I’ll cherish the memories forever.

“What I’ll miss most is the boys and the culture we’ve built but we’ve still got more memories to make this year.”

The Western Force, Brumbies and Rugby Australia all made another significant announcement on Tuesday by confirming that Nic White had signed for the Perth-based franchise.

White, 32, will depart the Brumbies alongside Pete Samu at the end of the 2023 season.

“We’re disappointed to see Pete and Nic go at the end of the season, but we understand in professional sport, players and people have to make a difficult decision for themselves and their families,” coach Stephen Larkham said.

“The club made every effort to retain both players past this year, but the reality is there are factors outside of our control as well as the competitive marketplace for players of their calibre that come into play.

“Both Nic and Pete have been and will be integral members of our group and we will celebrate their significant contribution to the Brumbies at the right moment but our focus now is on Sunday against the Highlanders.”

The Brumbies defeated Australian rivals the Melbourne Rebels 26-33 at AAMI Park on Sunday, and will look to go back-to-back this weekend at home against the Highlanders.