Peter Samu set to join up with Australia after New Zealand Rugby grant release

Uncapped loose forward Peter Samu will join the Australia squad for the June series against Ireland on Sunday after being granted a release by New Zealand Rugby.

Australia-born Samu, who will join the Brumbies in Super Rugby next season, is contracted to the Crusaders and also New Zealand's Tasman provincial side.

Rugby Australia said they had reached an agreement with their New Zealand counterparts which will see the 26-year-old complete the Super Rugby season with the Crusaders but then be released from his obligations with Tasman.

"I want to thank New Zealand Rugby for their consideration in releasing Peter for international duties," said Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle.

"Our discussions were robust but fair and I'm pleased we've reached an agreement to allow Peter the opportunity to represent his country."

Players have to be released for international duty according to World Rugby rules but the global governing body has an exception for those eligible for multiple countries.

Samu first played for Tasman when he was 22 and could have been selected for New Zealand on residency grounds.

Media reports had indicated NZR had demanded a fee to release Samu for the June international window, perhaps fearing other countries might come hunting for players with dual eligibility.

The move is good news for Australia coach Michael Cheika, who has long been desperate to add more physicality to supplement the skills of twin opensides Michael Hooper and David Pocock in his back row.

Rugby league convert Caleb Timu is another option to fill that role and he impressed off the bench in the Queensland Reds' back row against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday.

"I think it's massive news, it's a big positive for Australian rugby," Timu told reporters in Brisbane after Samu's clearance was announced.

"He's someone I can learn a lot from, he's being playing some great footie this year."

Hooker Jordan Uelese has been ruled out of the series after suffering a suspected ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in Melbourne Rebels' victory over the Blues in Auckland.