Kerevi says no decision made yet on his future

Wed, May 29, 2019, 4:58 AM
Emma Greenwood
by Emma Greenwood
The wait is over as the Wallabies Rugby World jerseys were unveiled earlier today.

Wallabies ace Samu Kerevi is adamant he has not yet made a decision on his future, although an announcement is imminent with the international season looming.

Kerevi has been widely tipped to join the Super Rugby exodus following the World Cup, with the Reds captain heavily linked with the Suntory Sungoliaths in Japan.

But Kerevi said nothing was yet set in stone.

"The announcement and decision will come very soon," he said.

"I'm still sorting every little detail out.

"It's really hard, the decision, I'm thinking about my family, I'm thinking about myself and footy and things - and when the decision is made I'll be feeling more stress free, I guess.

"My main focus now is the Reds and playing really well for them and putting my best foot forward for them each week and this week will be no different."

Samu Kerevi in action against the Rebels. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

The loss of Kerevi would be a massive blow for the Wallabies and Reds given his outstanding form this season.

The centre has arguably been Australia's form Super Rugby player and leads the competition in carries and defenders beaten and is among the top players for metres carried, clean breaks and offloads.

Kerevi will add to his tally of 25 Tests through The Rugby Championship and World Cup but will not meet the threshhold to be considered under the Giteau Law and would be unavailable for selection if he headed offshore.

But supporting his wider family is of massive important to Kerevi, who left humble beginnings in Fiji at an early age for a new life in Australia where he was raised by his grandparents.

Kerevi spoke earlier this year about his passion for the Reds but admitted he would have to weigh up his options for the future, with his family set to weigh heavily.

"Looking to the future, you'd love (to stay) but we've just got to see where everything lands by the end of the season," Kerevi said.

"For me, it's getting to a stage where I've got to plan for the future as well.

Samu Kerevi at the launch of Australia's jersey for the Rugby World Cup. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley 

"As much as what I want, I've got to look after my family as well.

"My family is really important to me and this is a big family for me as well."

For now though, Kerevi remains an integral part of the Wallabies set-up and it's something he doesn't take for granted.

"It's still surreal putting on a gold jersey every time you play," he said at the launch of the Wallabies World Cup jersey in Sydney today.

"Even today, to think that you've got the opportunity to play in the World Cup if you get selected, that's a really humbling feeling.

"I come from a small island in Fiji, the environment that I grew up in wasn't too nice and for me to be able to wear this jersey is really special."

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