Former Wallaby Radike Samo will come out of retirement to play for the Queensland Reds at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.
The 40-year-old joins Chris Latham as the Reds’ second wildcard player while Lote Tuqiri (Waratahs) and Stephen Larkham (Brumbies) will also dust off their boots for the two-day knockout at Suncorp Stadium.
Samo retired two years ago but is best remembered for time spent in Super Rugby with the Brumbies and the Reds, as well as his 23 Test caps for Australia.
“It’s been a while since I pulled on the Reds jersey, it’s going to be awesome to get back in front of the home crowd,” Samo said.
“Just to be part of the squad one more time will be special. It feels like I’m home.”
Samo is part of a 27-man Reds squad for the tens which includes two ex-Wallabies and four current Test players.
Coach Nick Stiles said ‘wildcard’ players like Samo and Latham were more than just a gimmick.
“There’s a huge benefit to us in having these guys involved, not only in the tournament, but at training throughout the week as well,” he said.
“It’s great to be able to bring back a couple of experienced, older heads who have plenty of knowledge and passion they can pass on to the players.”
Karl Knuth
Guest
It's not even that hot. We play all year in 35-40 + degrees and somehow manage to live through the experience. They are professional athletes with professional trainers, I'm sure they will be ok. Really looking forward to watching the Tenz this weekend!
UTB
Guest
Too hot (predictably) Most teams using for trial games (so disjointed and not best teams on the park) Expensive and full weekend tickets only Stars not playing I'd love to go down for a few hours on Saturday and sink a beer or two but for the above reasons (mainly cost) I'll be watching it on Foxtel (a full 4km from the ground). As per a previous post - they need to do this at the end of the Super season - give the teams something else to win to salvage a season. As it is - its a wasted opportunity. Hopefully no injuries and everyone who goes has a great time.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Actually, the oldies are likely to be OK because with age and lower expectations, it is more likely for the oldies to pull the pin and get out of the heat before they do catastrophic damage. The most dangerous situation is for the young and fit with high expectations who are seeking to impress and will continue to push themselves when their bodies are screaming for them to stop. Very dangerous. By the time the fit athlete collapses, the damage may already be irreparable... which means death. Are there no codes or regulations governing the environmental conditions (temperature/humidity, "apparent temperature" measurement) under which organizers must suspend play?
Die hard
Roar Rookie
It is turning into a bit of a hit and giggle. The other countries are sending wider training squad players and the locals are going golden oldies. The heat will have a big effect on squads and spectators. It just shows that just because you can doesn't mean you should play on a spare weekend. I will be glad to stay indoors and I am a brisbane local.
Jock Cornet
Guest
On glad I'll be at the beach rather than watching this
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
Old guys + fast rugby + 36 to 39degree heat = madness! Heatstroke in athletes is not uncommon and can lead to organ failure. This thing should be postponed as should all non essential sports this weekend. They would not play in a lightning storm but they are going to play in a heatwave of epic proportions. Remember, temperatures on ground are often several degrees above the ambient temperature so they could be playing in 40 plus degrees.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I don't believe Samo is only 40 he must have missed a couple of years. I doubt that he will be able to keep up with the game as he was pedestrian in the last season he played. I'm not knocking him just stating a fact. He was a good player back a few years ago and played some great matches for the Reds and the wallabies bu that was quite a few years ago now. The weekend should be good entertainment value, lets hope there are no injuries.