'I am being serious' - Samu Kerevi pressed about comments on switch to rugby league

Wallabies star Samu Kerevi has doubled down on the prospect of switching to rugby league and taken another swipe at World Rugby’s contentious head high tackle framework.

The Australian vice captain fronted journalists for a second time on the issue after Sunday’s Rugby World Cup pool loss to Wales in Tokyo.

Despite their struggles in the 29-25 defeat, most of the fallout has centred on Kerevi’s bump-off of upright Wales defender Rhys Patchell which resulted in a penalty after a long consultation between match officials.

The ruling was roundly slammed by the Wallabies and numerous commentators.

Powerhouse midfielder Kerevi spoke post-match about considering a code switch to rugby league when he completes his looming club contract in Japan.

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He clarified it wasn’t completely tongue in cheek.

“I was just saying that as a little joke but I am being serious at the same time,” the 26-year-old said.

“That’s why I was talking about rugby league, if you watch rugby league there are some collisions that are just nice.

“I just don’t want our sport to be soft.

“I respect the ref’s decision, I understand the call but it’s a tough one.

“I have been running like that for my entire career, I don’t know what else I can do.”

Samu Kerevi has revealed he may have to look at a code switch after playing a key role in yet another tackling controversy at this @rugbyworldcup. #RWC2019 #AUSvWAL https://t.co/GplV31Ku70

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 29, 2019

Kerevi agreed players should have had more involvement in the development of the framework, which was World Rugby’s solution to bring consistency to the sanctioning of high tackles.

Instead it has caused confusion, something that could have been avoided if players had been consulted on the potential pitfalls of a black and white system in a dynamic sport, he said.

“At the end of the day you’ve got to understand from a player’s point of view,” he said.

“In those milliseconds I’ve got to move my arm from just running to tucking it down.

“What do I do if I don’t have my arms up? Is his shoulder going to go into my head? How am I to keep myself safe?

“I might as well avoid the contact altogether and that’s just not my game. I’m looking for it every day.”

AAP

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