Brumbies and Wallabies flanker Pete Samu will leave Australian rugby after this year’s World Cup, shifting to French club Bordeaux.

French media report Samu will link with the Top 14 club on a two-year deal, joining Reece Hodge in the competition after the Wallabies utility back signed a three-year deal with Bayonne.

The 31-year-old Samu, who’s been with the Brumbies since 2019 and played 32 Tests for the Wallabies, has also played Super Rugby with the Crusaders where he earned his call-up to the international ranks.

The Wallabies are in safe hands in the back row moving forward though, with a host of quality options including Rob Valetini, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Rob Leota and Brad Wilkin.

Samu’s move also frees up money to retain Wilson and McReight, who are both off contract beyond this season.

Samu has been a Wallabies regular in recent years with his versatility across the back row vital, featuring off the bench in seven of the national team’s last 11 Tests.

He’s also impressed in the Brumbies’ perfect start to the Super Rugby Pacific season, starting in all three of their wins.