Wallaby star Kerevi wants to play for Fiji

NEWS: Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has revealed he wants to play for Fiji at the next World Cup in France.

The Fijian-born Kerevi signed a three-year contract with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan which makes him ineligible to play for the Wallabies under Rugby Australia’s current rule namely Giteau’s Law.

The RA protocol states that a player needs to have a minimum of 60 Test caps for Australia before he can be selected while playing abroad.

Kerevi's move to Japan is a big blow to the Wallabies and Reds, who desperately wanted to keep him in Australia.

However, Rugby Austalia were reportedly outbid by Suntory.

RA boss Raelene Castle has revealed that she and the board will review its stance of overseas player eligibility in the off-season.

*Also read: WALLABIES FAIL TO KEEP STAR MIDFIELD KEREVI

Speaking at a lunch in Fiji, the 26-year old reveals his ambition to don the Fiji jersey.

“My manager has told me to go to Japan so that I can aim to play for Fiji in the next Rugby World Cup,” Kerevi told the Fiji Sun

"It [is] all in the air for me. However, I know I cannot play for the Wallabies because I cannot reach the threshold of 60 caps, which they are trying to lower,"

*Article continues below...

Born in Viseisei, Fiji, he moved with his family to Australia at the age of four but did not gain Australian citizenship until August 2016. His father Nimilote represented Fiji at football, and his cousin is former Wallaby Radike Samo who played 23 tests for Australia.

“The biggest drive here is my two brothers Josua and Jone.

“They know how to speak three languages which why I am a bit jealous. Also, to continue my business degree studies with the University of Queensland.”

He made his Test debut in Australia’s 28-39 defeat by England in Brisbane on June 11, 2016, playing in the position of inside-center.

Source: FijiSun