Resurgent back-rower Pete Samu is adamant the ACT Brumbies' culture will help keep the squad together despite rumblings growing louder about a mass player departure from Australian rugby this year.
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Super Rugby officials are still working to finalise a schedule for a new-look domestic competition, which is set to start on July 3 and have a final round game on September 19. The uncertainty surrounding this year and a broadcast deal for 2021 and beyond has reportedly spooked some players, who are being targeted by overseas clubs.
The Brumbies have already re-signed a large chunk of their squad, including Samu, who recommitted to the Canberra franchise for another two season.
Props Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio and James Slipper, hooker Folau Faingaa, Tom Banks, Rob Valetini, Irae Simone and Nic White are among the others who have long-term deals.
The Queensland Reds have already lost three players after Rugby Australia terminated the contracts of Izack Rodda, Isaac Lucas and Harry Hockings following their refusal to agree to pay cuts.
The Melbourne Rebels are reportedly in danger of losing up to 16 players, but Samu was confident the Brumbies would stick together.
"I think the boys we've got down here are quite happy here just being around the group," Samu said.
"I don't think anyone's looking to head off any time soon, so I think what helps is the culture we've got here. Boys don't want to be heading off and having to start new bonds elsewhere. A lot of boys here are enjoying the footy and the company the boys have."
ssistant coach Pete Hewat added: "I think the majority of our squad is locked in. In terms of being uneasy, that's sort of the world over at the moment.
"There have been no signs from our players that they're looking to get out. From a coaching point of view, we've just got to back our program and hopefully it sells some players and they feel like they're improving, getting better and not looking elsewhere.
"Hopefully [the Brumbies players] feel like they're in one of the better programs in the world. That's all we can control."
Samu made a full-time comeback to Australian rugby last year after helping the Canterbury Crusaders win two Super Rugby championships.
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He was a standout for the Brumbies, particularly in the back half of the season, but hamstring injuries ended his finals hopes and scuppered his World Cup selection chances.
A fast start to this year put him back on the Wallabies' radar, with new Test coach Dave Rennie adding Samu to a players of national interest squad when the season was shut down.
"It was pretty positive (hearing from Dave Rennie), the 28-year-old said. "Being in that group gave me massive confidence that what I was doing on the field was being rewarded.
"He was happy with the way I was playing and gave me just a few work-ons but it was pretty positive messaging which is good."
Rennie, who is expected to arrive in Australia next month, will be keeping a close eye on player developments when the season is relaunched.
The Brumbies were the standout Australian team when the competition was shutdown due to coronavirus concerns in March and they were rewarded with 12 players in Rennie's group.
Tom Wright and young flyhalf Noah Lolesio was included, but all players will be starting with a clean slate in the new domestic season.
Asked if Samu deserved a Test spot, Brumbies assistant coach Peter Hewat said: "His chances are very high - we were playing some good footy and were at the head of the Australian conference so hopefully he would be in the top couple of backrowers in the country.
"Pete's speed, finesse and skill really suits the way we were playing and I'd love to see him get another crack.
"He's put on a bit of weight so hopefully he's a bit more combative in those contact areas - it's something he's been working hard on."