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Samu Kerevi reveals the reason for his departure to Japan
Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi holds no grudges with the national body after confirming a three-year deal with Suntory in Japan’s Top League from next season.
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The Queensland Reds captain will farewell Super Rugby when he runs out in Canberra against the finals-bound Brumbies on Saturday and, under current rules, will be ineligible for Wallabies selection beyond this year’s World Cup.
The 26-year-old tossed and turned on the decision but said his brilliant form this year – and any subsequent late push from Rugby Australia to salvage a deal – wasn’t enough to make him go back on his word.
“I’m not disappointed at anyone to be honest,” he said of the agreement he made “a bit later” than the season’s first round in February.
“They’ve (RA) got a lot of things on their table; I’m not the most important thing out there – that’s okay with me.
“It was more my word (to honour the contract) than anything.”
A $400,000 yearly gap in salary – $800,000 compared to $1.2 million according to Fairfax – reveals the uneven bargaining power of both organisations.
Things were complicated though when Kerevi’s stock soared this season.
The destructive centre thanked hard-nosed defence coach Peter Ryan for improving his weaknesses, while he is topping the charts in carries and defenders beaten and sitting second in offloads and fifth in clean breaks.
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He has proved to be the heartbeat of the Reds’ campaign and will arrive at Japan’s World Cup in September as one of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika’s trump cards.
But while his value to Rugby Australia may have risen, Kerevi hinted negotiations have moved too slowly to change the equation.
And the chance to spend time with younger brother Jone, who is based in Japan, meant that a change of heart was never likely.
“I missed out a lot of his life (while growing up in Brisbane),” Kerevi said.
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“I prayed about this situation and what my family needed . .. I want to see his growth, teach him how to shave, little things like that I missed out on.”
“I didn’t really want to leave in terms of what I wanted to do here in Queensland still … my little brother was the main reason why.”
The Reds’ (6-9) finals hiatus will continue in coach Brad Thorn’s second season in charge.
Kerevi is adamant he sees a “championship team” at Ballymore in the future and still entertains a return to Brisbane after 2023.
– AAP
Comments on RugbyPass
Sly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
13 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
13 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
13 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
13 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
13 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
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