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Wallabies tour is over for Samu Kerevi after disciplinary verdict
By Liam Heagney
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.”
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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