 Newcastle thought they had signed the Australian |
Flanker Radike Samo has rejected Newcastle Falcons and re-signed with the ACT Brumbies for two years. The Super 12 outfit say the Fijian-born player has agreed a significantly upgraded deal, worth about AUS$300,000.
Samo, who made his debut for Australia against Scotland last Sunday, had been the subject of a tug-of-war with Fiji over his international services.
"It's obviously disappointing Radike will not be with us next season," said Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew.
The Falcons hoped to sign him to a deal reportedly worth about �150,000 a year.
Newcastle agreed to scrap their agreement with Samo after talks with Australian Rugby Union high-performance manager Brett Robinson, the Brumbies said.
Back in May, Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew said the club had signed Samo to a two-year contract - but the lock said he had only signed a letter of intent.
Andrew was adamant at the time that Radike's agreement to join the Falcons was binding.
MMIX
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