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Four years after signing with Suntory Sungoliath, Wallabies star Samu Kerevi is set to join NTT Communications in a curious pre-World Cup move.
The Roar can reveal that Kerevi – the powerful Wallabies inside centre – is set to sign a two-year deal with the ambitious Japanese division two club, Urayasu D-Rocks, who are undefeated late heading into the pointy end of the season.
His deal, which still leaves open the faint possibility of returning to Australia ahead of the Lions series in 2025, will see him join former Wallabies star turned Tongan international Israel Folau as well as former Reds and Wallabies loose-forward Liam Gill at the club.
It’s understood the two-year deal will see the 29-year-old become the highest paid Australian rugby player, earning more than $1.5 million.
Wallabies star Samu Kerevi is set to make a high-profile move in Japanese rugby. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Kerevi was offered $1 million to return to Australian rugby in February, with four Super Rugby franchises holding out hope the world class centre would return.
But the experienced Wallaby was only offered a one-year deal, with the possibility of a second year if Rugby Australia wanted it.
Needing a longer deal, particularly as he approaches his thirties and continues to make his way back from an ACL injury, Kerevi decided to stay in Japan despite a strong desire to come home.
While some RA figures, as well as various Super Rugby franchises, wanted Kerevi back in Australian rugby, particularly ahead of a World Cup and British and Irish Lions series, it’s believed the governing body ultimately determined that there was too much risk to offer him a multi-year deal given his major knee-injury suffered during last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Jones, who had only just returned to Australian rugby, is believed to have supported Kerevi’s return but was also cautious knowing he was coming back from the devasting season-long injury.
Eddie Jones remains hopeful Samu Kerevi will put his hand up for World Cup selection. Image: Getty Images
Adding to the unique nature, Jones has had a three-decade association with Suntory and remains a leading consultant with the club.
Jones has yet to be able to sit down with Kerevi to nut out what his future involvement could be with the Wallabies.
The powerful centre, who is the only world class powerful ball-running centre at Australia’s disposal heading into the World Cup, was listed as TBC by Jones when he named his Wallabies training camp squad last weekend.
It’s believed there is genuine interest from Kerevi to be eligible for the tournament, but the delicate nature of his involvement, as well as any overseas-based Wallaby, is that Rugby Australia aren’t there employers.
“I need to sit down with them one on one and have a chat to them about their commitment to playing for Australia,” Jones said last week when asked about what the ‘TBC’ meant.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to do that.
“So we’ll get around to that and then that TBC will disappear.”
Samu Kerevi has missed the 2023 Japanese League One competition due to an injury suffered during Australia’s Commonwealth Games campaign. Photo: Kenta Harada/Getty Images
Asked whether he was disappointed Kerevi chose not to return to Australia, Jones said he understood the pressures facing players, particularly those supporting family networks, when deciding their futures.
“Never – I think Sonny Bill Williams made a great comment about players’ responsibilities to family with Rugby Australia signing [Joseph] Suaalii.” Jones said.
“You can’t put yourselves in the position of those young players.
“You know the responsibilities they have and some family responsibilities, certainly extended families.
“We need to sit down with Kerevi and… once we’ve done that and sort that out then we’ll have a decision.”
In much the same way that Jonathan Danty is essential to France’s hopes, Kerevi is a prized-commodity the Wallabies desperately want for their World Cup campaign.
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.