The Brumbies have landed Crusaders back-rower Pete Samu for the 2019 Super Rugby season, but it remains unclear whether the Melbourne-born Australian will be available for the Wallabies in next month's three-Test series with Ireland.
The two-year deal with the Brumbies means Samu is immediately eligibility for the Wallabies. The lesser-known part of the "Giteau law" states a player must sign a two-year deal with an Australian Super Rugby franchise to be eligible the year before they are due to return.
But Samu also needs clearance from New Zealand Rugby; there is a recent precedent in the case of Hurricanes captain Brad Shields, who was released to play for England in South Africa next month, but NZ Rugby might not be so forthcoming with their Aussie rivals.
NZR Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum says a Rugby Australia request to release the forward for next month's series against Ireland is still being considered.
"We have received a request from Rugby Australia and we're in discussions, but nothing has been decided yet," Lendrum said in a statement on Tuesday night.
Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika is due to name his squad on Wednesday night [AEST], and is known to be a big fan of Samu with the duo sharing a common link in the fact they both played for Sydney club Randwick.
Regardless, the signing is a major coup for the Brumbies with the ACT franchise already boasting David Pocock and rising star Isi Naisarani among its back-row options.
"We are delighted that Peter Samu has agreed to join the Brumbies for the 2019 Super Rugby season," Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar said.
"Peter is a powerful back-rower with good speed and a skill-set that suits how we want to play at the Brumbies. He comes from a highly successful program and has enjoyed success at both Mitre 10 Cup and Super Rugby level.
"Having been involved in trophy-winning sides in both those competitions, he brings a winning mind-set to the group and we look forward to his arrival."
Samu enjoyed two separate stints with Randwick before he made the move to New Zealand to play for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup. He was then signed by the Crusaders, the Aussie coming off the bench in the Kiwi side's 25-17 victory over the Lions in last year's Super Rugby final.
"I am thrilled by the challenge of joining the Brumbies and am looking forward to taking to the field for the club," Samu said.
"The Brumbies are well renowned throughout Super Rugby for being a successful club and for having a fantastic playing culture. I am excited to get to Canberra, settle in and get out onto the field.
"I'd like to thank the Crusaders for giving me a chance at this level and wish them all the best for the future."