Australia include Samu Kerevi in Commonwealth squad

Australian Men’s 7s have been boosted by the return of Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi ahead of the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Birmingham on 29 July 2022.

Kerevi made his Sevens debut at the Tokyo Olympics, producing a man-of-the-match performance during last week’s opening Test win over England. He is joined by NSW Waratahs flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase after his breakout season in Super Rugby Pacific.

Nick Malouf captains the side, joined by Maurice Longbottom, the lone returning player from the campaign four years ago. London hero Henry Paterson is amongst the 12 debutants, motivated to perform after missing the Olympics due to injury.

“It is awesome to be selected for the Australian Team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“It has been a crazy year for many of us, from the Tokyo Olympics, straight into the World Ruby Sevens Series events, and now heading to Birmingham, but it has meant our squad has formed a really solid foundation, and we are playing some great Rugby.

“For most of us, this will be the first time competing at the Commonwealth Games, but guys like Maurice add some extra experience and knowledge – we’re feeling pretty confident after a good season, and we’ve got a good mix of experience and youth, which will make sure we are ready to go in Birmingham.”

The Aussie 7s are London 7s champions after taking out an epic final in London.

“Congratulations to the 26 Rugby 7s players who have been selected to the Australian Team for Birmingham,” Chef de Mission Petria Thomas said added.

“The selection of today’s Rugby 7s Team Members takes our total team numbers to over 400 of our expected 435 Team Members ready to be bold in gold in Birmingham.

“Both sides have been in wonderful form recently at the World Rugby Sevens Series events, and I know they will be working hard as they build towards Birmingham at the end of this month.

“The Rugby 7s competition at the Games is always a fast, thrilling and fun atmosphere, and I am sure that our Team Members will embrace the packed stands of supporters and are ready to give their best at the Games.”