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Samu Kerevi could still play a pivotal role for the Wallabies at this year’s World Cup, but the damaging midfielder’s days in Super Rugby are likely over.
The Roar can reveal Kerevi met with Rugby Australia officials on Monday, but has turned down a one-year deal to return home and is likely to accept a new multi-million dollar deal in Japan.
The offer, which was upwards of $1 million, would have made Kerevi one of the highest paid players in Australia, but the short-term nature of the contract meant it was never a realistic option for the world-class centre.
It comes after months of negotiations between RA and Super Rugby officials and Kerevi’s camp, with the 41-Test star set to depart Suntory – the same club where Jones is a consultant – and join a rival Japanese side.
Indeed, Kerevi met with the Melbourne Rebels – one of four Super Rugby franchises that had met with the 29-year-old – last week, but despite being impressed with each party, including RA, he is set to stay in the Japanese League One competition.
(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
RA was understandably cautious about breaking the bank for a player who last year suffered a major ACL injury playing for Australia’s sevens team at the Commonwealth Games.
It’s believed Jones, who understands the important and delicate nature of RA’s financial state, had a big say in not wanting to break the bank on a player who was coming back from an injury.
Jones spent years hoping Manu Tuilagi – one of his big trump cards in England – would stay fit and healthy but the expensive midfielder rarely spent any length of time on the field.
Kerevi doesn’t have the same injury history as Tuilagi, but there’s an element of the unknown about his return from a major knee-injury.
Jones is still likely to call upon Kerevi throughout the year, with the centre one of the few Australians in the conversation for world XV status. Indeed, he was nominated for World Rugby player of the year in 2021 despite playing just five Tests.
Eddie Jones, as head coach of England, speaks with several Wallabies players. Image: Getty Images
The new Wallabies coach can currently pick up to three players from overseas to bolster his squad. It remains to be seen whether that number will increase, with RA sources saying the situation remained “fluid”.
While Kerevi’s high-profile status would have been a huge coup for Super Rugby in Australia, it will allow RA to either to go after another big-name player or keep more talent at home.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.