The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have confirmed halfback Nic White and backrower Pete Samu will depart the club at the end of the 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
White will continue his Super Rugby and Wallabies career with the Western Force with Pete Samu moving overseas.
A stalwart for the club across two stints spanning from 2011 to this season, 2023 is White’s 9th season as part of the Brumbies Super Rugby squad, the pathways graduate having represented the ACT on 108 occasions to date.
White joined the professional ranks against the Reds in 2011, rising to prominence in 2013 where he made his Wallabies debut against the All Blacks in Sydney before departing for France at the end of the 2015 season.
After successful stints with Montpellier and Exeter Chiefs in England, White returned to the Brumbies in 2020, joining the squad during Super Rugby AU as COVID-19 shutdown competitions in Europe, helping the side claim the title against Queensland at GIO Stadium.
2022 saw White earn ‘Best Back’ honours at the Brumbies end of season awards, recognition of his significant contribution to the club’s run to the Super Rugby Pacific Semi-Finals with White making his 100th appearance for the Brumbies in round one this year against the Waratahs in Sydney.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies halfback, Nic White said: “I started my career here in 2008 and now 15 years later, with a few years overseas, it is sadly time to say goodbye.
"I will forever be grateful to the Brumbies for giving me my first opportunity in professional rugby. The years spent here have shaped me into a better rugby player, and more importantly, a better man.
"Canberra has long been my home away from home. I will leave with many happy memories and lifelong friendship but the season is not done yet and there’s still plenty to play for so my focus is to give my best for the Brumbies and go out on a high."
Samu joined the Brumbies from the champion Crusaders at the end of 2018, becoming an instant fan-favourite in his first season with his signature style and ability with ball-in-hand.
The Brumbies best forward in 2020 and 2022, Samu brought up 50 games for the Brumbies in a memorable win against the Chiefs last year and will look to notch up 100 Super Rugby caps by the end of the season.
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies backrower, Pete Samu said: “I just want to thank the Brumbies and the Canberra community for the past five years.”
“This club and Canberra will always be a special place for me and my family, and I’ll cherish the memories forever.
“What I’ll miss most is the boys and the culture we’ve built but we’ve still got more memories to make this year.”
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “We’re disappointed to see Pete and Nic go at the end of the season, but we understand in professional sport, players and people have to make a difficult decision for themselves and their families.”
“The club made every effort to retain both players past this year, but the reality is there are factors outside of our control as well as the competitive marketplace for players of their calibre that come into play.
“Both Nic and Pete have been and will be integral members of our group and we will celebrate their significant contribution to the Brumbies at the right moment but our focus now is on Sunday against the Highlanders.”
