Wallaby centre Samu Kerevi has been included in Australia’s 12-man squad that will compete in the pre-Olympics Oceania Sevens Championship.
Following a stint with Japan Top League contenders Suntory, Kerevi made the trip home to push for Olympic selection.
He is joined by returning Super Rugby players Lewis Holland, Lachie Anderson and Tim Anstee in their final hit-out before the Tokyo Olympics.
The side, captained by Nick Malouf, is also boosted by fit-again Joe Pincus.
“The attitude we took through Covid-19 has delivered a highly competitive squad in which to select from. Players who wouldn’t have dreamt of being considered for selection are now in the mix and representing the program at an elite level,” coach Tim Walsh said in a statement.
“The addition of Samu is a welcome achievement for the program and underpins one of the program’s objectives – retain, recruit and develop the best Australian rugby players.
“We are grateful for the cooperation by Suntory in making Samu an option for selection.
“Our objective is to return home from Tokyo and into quarantine with a ‘no regret’ performance. This will only be achieved with meticulous planning and preparation as a team and as individuals.”
Australia will face 2016 Olympic gold medalists Fiji to kick off the tournament before taking on New Zealand in the evening session.
They will also take on the Oceania Barbarians, a team made up of contracted players from the Sevens program and across the 15-a-side game.
Australia’s Sevens squad – Tim Anstee, Samu Kerevi, Pama Fou Nick Malouf (c), Lewis Holland, Lachlan Miller, Lachlan Anderson, Josh Turner, Josh Coward, Joe Pincus, Henry Hutchison, Dylan Pietsch, Dietrich Roache.
Photo: Getty Images
