Showdown over the release of Samu set to be resolved today

A resolution is beckoning for Pete Samu. Photo / Getty Images

The Pete Samu tug-of-war is expected to be resolved one way or the other today with Rugby Australia facing a choice of paying $50,000 to gain access to the Crusaders flanker or giving up their efforts to snare him as a Wallaby.

It is believed New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia had several conversations yesterday but none led to resolving the matter of whether Samu would be released to be available to play for the Wallabies against Ireland next week.

Having failed to make a deal yesterday, both parties agreed they can't continue to leave Samu in limbo past today.

A decision has to be made as the Wallabies are heading into camp tomorrow for the three-test series against Ireland.

The 26-year-old utility loose forward has effectively been selected by the Wallabies but needs NZR's permission to take his place in the squad.

That has yet to be forthcoming. Late last night Chris Lendrum, NZR's Head of Professional Rugby, said in a statement:

"We have attempted to resolve this matter in good faith but our proposals have not been accepted. New Zealand Rugby remains open to resolving the issues."

Samu, while eligible for both Australia and New Zealand, signed a contract to say that during the duration of his Crusaders contract he would only be eligible to play for national teams from the latter.

There is some dispute as to whether that is a binding declaration and if NZR, as they say they do, have the power to deny Samu's request to be released.

He is not asking to be released from the entirety of his contract which is an important distinction. He is asking to be released from Crusaders' duty during the designated international window in accordance with World Rugby's rules.

The Crusaders have no Super Rugby games during that period. Theoretically what could be announced today is that Samu has been released to play for the Wallabies this month, but no decision has yet been reached on whether he will be available for the Rugby Championship.

His availability for that is compromised by the contract he has signed to play for Tasman during the Mitre 10 Cup.

And this is where the tension lies between NZR and RA. The former has asked that RA compensate Tasman for the loss of Samu.

They are happy for him to be released, but only if they are reimbursed for the full value of his contract which is believed to be $50,000.

Once RA pay that money, Samu will be free to travel across the Tasman and take his place in the Wallabies. If RA don't pay the money, Samu could seek legal advice on whether he has any rights to simply walk out on his Tasman contract as, again, they are duty-bound under World Rugby regulations to release him for the Rugby Championship.