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Samu Manoa has departed the Cardiff Blues with immediate effect. The US Eagles star has been granted an early release from his contract just six months into a deal signed in July. The Blues have now confirmed that Manoa requested the release to return to his family who reside in California.
Blues coach John Mulvihall thanked Manoa in an official statement:
“Naturally we are very disappointed to lose a player of Samu’s quality but we understand his situation and it’s the right decision to release him from his contract on compassionate grounds.
“It is always challenging to adapt to a new environment, particularly when your family are on the other side of the world.
“We appreciate all the effort Samu has put in during the short time here, he is a good man and gave his all. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
Manoa released the following statement on social media:
View this post on Instagram
After struggling with injury at the beginning of the campaign Manoa made his much-anticipated Cardiff debut in mid-October. He then played one test for the USA, appearing off the bench against Ireland, before finally making his run-on debut for the Blues on December 1.
All told Manoa made just seven appearances for the club between the Guinness Pro 14 and Champions Cup. His next move is unclear but with a return to Europe now highly unlikely, he could suit up for a Major League Rugby side in the coming months.
