'Leather patch rules' - Eddie Jones weighs in on exiled Wallaby's rumoured return

Eddie Jones has endorsed Samu Kerevi’s return to top form after watching the powerful centre in action for Urayasu D Rocks in Japan Rugby League One, suggesting the Wallabies could yet benefit from his presence at the next Rugby World Cup.

Jones’ comments come after former Wallabies captain Will Genia threw his support behind a potential Test recall for Kerevi, believing Australia could unlock a devastating midfield combination ahead of the next men’s Rugby World Cup.

Believing “size matters”, Genia said he would love to see Kerevi paired with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the centres, arguing the mix of power, skill and finesse would be ideally suited to the modern Test game.

Genia pointed to shorter, sharper passages of play and the increasing importance of collision dominance, noting it was no coincidence that South Africa and France are currently setting the benchmark through physical authority.

A shining light for D-Rocks in Japan Rugby League One, Kerevi has featured at the past two global tournaments but has not worn Wallabies gold since starring in Australia’s 52-20 victory over Wales on the 2024 spring tour.

Still only 32, Genia believes Kerevi remains a world-class force who could be a major asset for the hosts at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, particularly given the way the international game has shifted.

“I actually watched him play yesterday afternoon, and he was absolutely outstanding,” Jones told the Rugby United podcast on the back of calls for a Kerevi return.

“And you think about Kerevi when Kerevi played. I think it was for Australia post the Olympics, in 2021… He had that stellar season. He would’ve been the best centre in the world.

“Now, we haven’t seen that for a while from him, but certainly, in this league [Japan Rugby League One], one game; you’ve got to take the context of the game.

He looked like he was getting back to that sort of standard of play, and certainly Australia could benefit from having a guy like him in this squad.

“But there’s rules that are antiquated. The leather patch rules. They’ve got to get rid of those leather patch rules and then he’ll be eligible.”

Jones had a few kind words for Genia.