Samu Kerevi banned for three matches, ending Spring Tour

Wallabies' centre Samu Kerevi has been handed a three-match suspension following his red card against Wales, bringing an early end to his spring tour and impacting his future prospects with the team.

Kerevi's yellow card for a high tackle during Australia's victory over Wales was upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

A disciplinary panel upheld the on-field decision, imposing a six-week ban, which was reduced to three weeks due to Kerevi's guilty plea, remorse, and clean record. He can further reduce his suspension by completing World Rugby's coaching intervention program.

The 31-year-old will miss the upcoming Test against Scotland and his Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks' first trial game. Additionally, he was already unavailable for the Ireland Test, as it falls outside the international window.

Kerevi's absence opens the door for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to reclaim his starting position. Suaalii impressed on debut against England and came off the bench during the Wales match.

Other contenders for the centre position include Hamish Stewart and Josh Flook, who have joined the main squad following Dylan Pietsch's injury.

The Wales Test marked Kerevi's first international appearance since the Wallabies' disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign.