Lions accused of blocking Pasifika XV star in eligibility row on eve of series

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/faa7d2a15b020d77c8ce0961b19e92e8eaa38baf/130_13_2703_2162/master/2703.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=2c3d0078d285e0e03e0f4f9742d2adbd

18/07/2025 10:25

'Devastated' Samu told he cannot feature in tour match
'They must have been worried we were going to win'

The British & Irish Lions have been accused of running scared on the eve of the first Test against the Wallabies amid a disagreement over the availability of Pete Samu for next week's First Nations & Pasifika XV tour match.

Samu, who last season represented Bordeaux before joining the Waratahs for the next Super Rugby season, has been blocked from playing in Tuesday's game and is said to be "devastated" by the head coach, Toutai Kefu.

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