Samuela Vatuniveivuke Kerevi, commonly known as Samu Kerevi, is a Fijian-born Australian rugby union player who has made a name for himself as a formidable centre. Born on September 27, 1993, in Viseisei, Fiji, Kerevi moved to Australia at the age of four with his family.
Kerevi's rugby journey began to take shape during his time at Brisbane State High School, where he showcased his talent and represented Queensland at the Australian Schools Rugby Championships in 2011.
His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected to play for the Fiji Under-20 team in the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship held in South Africa. In that tournament, he made an immediate impact by scoring the first try of the tournament against Wales and went on to score a double against Samoa.
After his success in the junior ranks, Kerevi's skills and potential were further recognized when he joined the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. He signed a contract with the Reds in 2013 and quickly established himself as a dynamic and powerful centre.
Known for his strong ball-carrying ability, physicality, and deceptive footwork, Kerevi became a key player for the Reds and earned a reputation as a dangerous attacking threat.
Kerevi's performances at the domestic level earned him a call-up to the Australian national team in 2016. He made his international debut against England in the same year and continued to make a significant impact for the Wallabies.
His powerful running and ability to break through defensive lines made him a fan favorite and a reliable scoring option for the national team. Kerevi represented Australia in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, further solidifying his status as one of Australia's premier centres.
In addition to his exploits in Super Rugby and international rugby, Kerevi has also ventured overseas to play in the Japanese Top League. He joined Suntory Sungoliath, a renowned club in Japan, where he continues to display his exceptional skills and contribute to their success.
Off the field, Kerevi comes from a sporting family, with his father being a former Fiji international soccer player. His brother Josua Kerevi has also played representative rugby, and their athletic pedigree is evident in Samu's performances on the rugby field.
With his blend of strength, agility, and skill, Kerevi has established himself as one of the most exciting and influential centres in Australian rugby. His ability to break tackles, create scoring opportunities, and lead by example has endeared him to fans and made him a valuable asset for his teams.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Kerevi has been named in the training squad for Australia.
KG(07/07/2023)
Career
Australia Outside Centre |
2016 - present | |
Urayasu D-Rocks Outside Centre |
2024 - present | |
Brisbane City Outside Centre |
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Queensland Reds Outside Centre |
2014 - 2019 | |
Australia 7's Outside Centre |
2021 - 2023 | |
Tokyo Sungoliath Outside Centre |
2019 - 2023 | |
Barbarians Outside Centre |
2023 - 2024 | |
Souths Rugby Club (QLD) Outside Centre |