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Samu Kerevi addresses outrage at Fiji switch reports

By Josh Raisey
Samu Kerevi of the Wallabies. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi caused quite a stir recently with comments made at a function in Fiji about switching allegiances ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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The 26-year-old said that he has moved from the Reds to Japanese outfit Suntory Sungoliath after his manager said that it will help him qualify for Fiji for the RWC in France. With only 33 caps to his name, Kerevi is now unable to represent Australia under the Giteau Law, which requires overseas players to have over 60 caps.

This has received the level of outrage that would be expected, with accusations of disloyalty being thrown at Kerevi. However, he has since responded, sharing a statement on Instagram, where he says his comments were taken out of context.

He said: “Disappointing to be taken out of context, quoted for things I didn’t say and when you’re having a bit of a laugh at a function. I’ve loved representing Fiji in my younger days and I am proud of my Fijian heritage but also extremely proud & honoured to be a Wallaby and all that Australia has done for my family & I.”

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Regardless of what Kerevi did or did not say, it must be noted that under World Rugby’s current eligibility rules he would not be able to qualify for Fiji having played for Australia already, and a move to Japan would not change that.

The powerful centre also distanced himself from these comments, clearly showing the pride that he has representing the Wallabies, albeit he does not rule out the possibility of one day playing for Fiji should the rules change.

https://twitter.com/RugbyPass/status/1196013022558457857/photo/1

What seems to be the crux of his statement is that this was probably a joke that was taken literally or out of hand and it has caused unnecessary controversy.

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Having been born in Fiji, it is understandable why Kerevi wants to support the country of his birth, however, he moved to Australia when he was four years old, and while he represented Fiji under-20s, the bulk of his rugby has been in and for Australia.

This was a huge year for the Wallaby, as he was not only named Australia’s Super Rugby player of the year, but was runner-up to fellow Fijian-born teammate Marika Koroibete for the John Eales Medal. It is therefore clear to see why both countries would be desperate for him to represent them.

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Mzilikazi 10 minutes ago
How England reverse-engineered unlikely attacking change

Thanks, Nick, not only for this fine article, but for all the others during 6N 2024. I really enjoyed this 2024 tournament, and felt it was one of the best for many years. That final match in Lyons was really good. England were certainly unlucky when that speculative hack by Ramos lead to a French try. It could just so easily have landed in English hand.s, and they score at the other end. I did think though that the French played some great rugby, and some of their driving play in the forwards was just fearsome. I watched Meafou with interest, and he has a good start to his career. It is interesting to compare him with Will Skelton. Lot of similarities, though so far Meafou has not shown any offloading threat. All credit to Borthwick for being prepared to change, and what great result, even if that last game was lost at the death. I feel they are a real chance to cause the AB’s problems this winter/summer. Finally a comment on Ireland. I thought their last game was their worst, and they did not look like the world’s No 2 side at all. What really worries me is that the loss to England was, in my view, down to poor decision making by the coaching group, and ofc Andy Farrell wears that. It was a big mistake to move JGP away from scrum half. Murray should have been the one to go to the wing. And the “finishers” should have been on the field earlier. And this is the second time this has happened. The RWC Qf against the AB’s, and not getting Crowley onto the field was a huge mistake. Finally, finally, watching Italy play was a joy. How wonderful that they are no longer the punchbag of the 6 N.

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