First Nations and Pasifika XV coach and Wallabies great Toutai Kefu has spoken of his disappointment after the British and Irish Lions refused to allow Waratahs and Wallabies backrower Pete Samu to represent the First Nations and Pasifika XV next Tuesday in Melbourne because he did not play Super Rugby this season.

Kefu described his player as “devastated” and is still struggling to understand why the touring side has blocked Samu from playing in Melbourne after he was named in the squad to face the Lions.

“I’m absolutely gutted, I still can’t believe that they would do it, complain about it, I suppose it is what it is, but it’s extra motivation for our boys,” Kefu said.

“We’re a team that’s just been put together, we’re facing a massive challenge as it is, so he (Samu) would have definitely strengthened us, there’s no doubt about that.

“They must have been worried we were going to win. I don’t know why they would do it.”

Sources with knowledge of the Lions’ demand but not authorised to speak publicly said that Samu was told the news yesterday in Melbourne and was offered the opportunity to leave the First Nations and Pasifika XV, but requested to stay with the squad where he is helping at training. Samu’s teammates were told on Friday morning at training.

The First Nations & Pasifika XV fixture in Melbourne was created after the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels last May and will be the first time a team of this nature has played the British and Irish Lions in Australia.

Because the original tour agreement signed between Rugby Australia and the Lions organisation initially had the Rebels fixture in it, the need to change to an alternative team after the Rebels’ demise last year also meant the contract had to be amended. The Lions agreed, but insisted on a sign-off of the squad that would be put together.