Samo is keen to play for Jones

The Falcons announced last week they had signed the second row from the ACT Brumbies in a two-year deal.

Samo says he has only signed a letter of intent to join Newcastle, and Australia want him to become a Wallaby.

But Newcastle boss Rob Andrew said: "Radike's agreement to join us is binding, and we look forward to seeing him at Kingston Park for next season."

The versatile 27-year-old, who can also play at flanker or on the wing, has also been called up by his native Fiji.

I would like to stay for one more year or two, but I don't know what's going to happen Radike Samo

"Whichever avenue Radike wishes to go down in pursuing his international career is a purely personal decision, to which the club does not intend having any input," Andrew added. "Whether he chooses Fiji or Australia is up to him.

"At no stage has there been any indication from either the player or his representatives that he does not intend to honour his agreement with Newcastle."

A move to Newcastle would jeopardise Samo's Wallabies career because ARU policy is against selecting overseas-based players.

Samo wins Australia call-up

ARU officials are in discussion with his management team about resigning him after some outstanding displays in the Super 12 this season.

"If he is not legally bound to Newcastle, we will continue negotiations to try and get him signed up in Australia," said Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

"We want him to play for Australia and he has indicated he wants to play for the Wallabies."

Samo, who has lost his voice, indicated he would be happy to stay in Australia.

The lure of the pound always makes it hard to keep players Australia coach Eddie Jones

Asked whether he had signed a letter of intent or a full contract with Newcastle, he whispered: "Yeah, letter of intent. I don't know how binding it is.

"I am pretty happy at the moment but I can't say anything about it.

"I would like to stay for one more year or two, but I don't know what's going to happen. We'll just have to wait and see."

The ARU's offer to Samo does not match Newcastle's financial package, but Jones hopes the prospect of playing for Australia will persuade him to stay in the country.

"The lure of the pound and the various sorts of tax schemes they have in place in England always makes it hard to keep players," he added.

"That is the problem we face all the time. To match the market value of the players in Europe is very difficult."