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Radike Samo has extended his career in Super Rugby to one final year by signing with the Melbourne Rebels for the 2015 season.
The 38-year-old backrower has inked a one-year deal, which he says will be his last, for the 2015 season having most recently played with the Kinetsu Liners in Japan.
Samo played Super Rugby with the Reds from 2010 to 2013, and proved an immensely popular member of the squad that won the 2012 Super Rugby premiership. He has made 68 appearances at Super Rugby level, a tally he should add to at the Rebels.
He has also played 23 Test matches for the Wallabies, featuring in a number of positions from the second row to the win, and was a member of the 2011 World Cup squad.
Samo is well known for his blockbuster runs, his monstrous fend and an impressive afro, which he sported in his time at the Reds.
Samo said he was excited to have “one final crack at Super Rugby,” and was looking forward to working with Rebels coach Tony McGahan.
“Watching from Japan, it is clear that the Rebels are working really hard to build a competitive and professional Rugby team,” he said.
“Everybody I spoke to had no hesitation in recommending that I sign for the Rebels, and I am really looking forward to joining in with Tony McGahan and the young and exciting squad he has assembled.
“I am very keen to give Super Rugby one last shot and I feel I have a lot to offer; I am really excited about coming to Melbourne. I’m also very grateful for the opportunity to join the Victorian Rugby community; there’s a big Pacific Islander Rugby family in Melbourne, and I’m looking forward to becoming part of that.”
McGahan said the Rebels were looking forward to Samo’s contribution in 2015, and highlighted that his experience would be invaluable on top of his playing ability.
“Radike has been a strong contributor to every environment he has been within, with a majority of those environments being winning squads,” McGahan said.
“Someone of Radike’s experience, who has enjoyed as much success as he has, will obviously be a fantastic addition to this young playing roster on and off the field.”
Melbourne rugby fans will no doubt be looking forward to seeing the afro back in action for 2015.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.