Australia international Samu Kerevi pens new deal with Queensland Reds

Australia international Samu Kerevi has penned a new deal with Queensland Reds that will keep him with the Super Rugby club until the end of the 2019 season.

The 24-year-old made his debut with Reds in 2014 and joins Izack Rodda, JP Smith, Filipo Daugunu, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Aidan Toua and Alex Mafi in the list of players who had extended their stay at the club this week.

“I’m excited to stay in Queensland for one more year, my family was a big factor in staying,” Kerevi said.

“The young boys coming through the club is what keeps me at the Reds.

“I see the potential – not long ago I was in their shoes so to have one more year with them will be special.”

The 6ft 1' centre has also played for the Wallabies in 21 Tests since making his debut in 2016 and last played for the national side during the home series against Ireland.

A ruptured bicep has restricted his participation in the ongoing Rugby Championship but Kerevi stated that the prospect of featuring in the 2019 World Cup in Japan will be a big motivation.

“The World Cup is next year and that’s pretty special for any rugby player,” Kerevi said.

“It’s the biggest stage in World Rugby and that was another driver for me.

“First thing is first and that’s getting back to fitness and playing well for my club and hopefully being picked to represent Australia through the year and into the World Cup.

“Right now my goal is to hopefully make the back-end of the NRC, or even the Club 7’s Series but that all depends on how my rehab goes.”