Kerevi’s sevens quest

WHEN Samu Kerevi walked off the field after the Wallabies’ quarter-final defeat to England in Rugby World Cup 2019, he wasn’t sure when he’d get the chance to play his country again.

However, his return to Australian Rugby has been confirmed, albeit in a short-term capacity, after he was named in the Sevens squad to play in the PacificAus Sport Oceania 7s Championship.

He has been named in the 13man squad alongside the likes of Tim Anstee, Lewis Holland and Lachie Anderson, with the tournament set to take place on June 25-27 in Townsville.

Linking up with the squad last week after quarantine, Kerevi admits he wasn’t sure when he’d next pull on the green and gold when he remained in Japan after the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

“The team’s been awesome, they’ve been really welcoming. (Tim) Walshy has done a really good job with the culture and the boys get around each other which is good,” Kerevi told reporters on Thursday.

“We had a chat (about making the move) during the Top League season. It was just chat at that stage but towards the end, it really knuckled down about me coming over and just wanting to contribute to the team for this year’s Olympics.

“The opportunity that Walshy and the players were giving to contribute once again to Australian Rugby.

“After the World Cup, I thought that was it. You always have the urge to play high-level Rugby, especially playing for your nation.

You never forgot that taste of that jersey when you get the honour of wearing it. To run out with 14 other mates of yours, I think it’s a really special thing to have in your career.”

Despite his commitments and long-term deal with Suntory, the Japanese club was more than happy to facilitate the 27-year-old’s quest to live out an Olympic dream.

“For (Suntory), it’s a massive honour to be a part of a national program and hopefully compete at the Olympics.”