Wallabies tour is over for Samu Kerevi after disciplinary verdict

Joe Schmidt won’t be able to call on Samu Kerevi for Australia’s Autumn Nations Series game in Scotland this Sunday after the midfielder learned the outcome of his midweek disciplinary hearing. The centre, who was making his 50th Test appearance, was red carded in the opening minute of the second half last Sunday following his collision with Wales’ Jac Morgan at the Principality Stadium.

He was initially yellow carded by referee James Doleman, but the tackle was upgraded to a red card offence on review by the TMO bunker. That resulted in him being called to attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday evening and the resulting suspension will see him sidelined for three matches, a ban that will be reduced to two on the successful completion of tackle school.

Although Australia's Autumn Nations Series doesn't end until the November 30 match versus Ireland, Kerevi was already set to miss that match as the game falls outside the international player release window. That left the 31-year-old scheduled to return to Japan to take part in a Urayasu D-Rocks Rugby League One trial on December 1, but he will now sit out that pre-season hit-out.

A statement read: “Australia number 12 Samu Kerevi appeared before an independent disciplinary committee Tuesday evening via video link having received a 20-minute red card for an act of foul play contrary to law 9.13 in the match between Australia and Wales on Sunday.

“The independent disciplinary committee was chaired by Brenda Heather-Latu (Samoa), joined by former international referee Donal Courtney (Ireland) and former international player Becky Essex (England).

“The disciplinary committee has upheld the red card issued to the player and by applying World Rugby’s sanctioning provisions, have determined that the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate.

“In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as other mitigating factors, such as his clean disciplinary record, his remorse and good conduct, they have applied the full 50 per cent reduction in sanction, thus reducing the final sanction to three weeks/matches.

“The player has additionally been given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme to substitute the final match of their sanction (the Japan Rugby League One fixture) which is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play.”