Former Wallabies center Samu Kerevi has made a significant move by returning from Japan to pursue a place in Australia’s rugby sevens team for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The 27-year-old midfielder, who has previously played 33 tests for Australia, including a prominent role in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, has been included in the squad for the Oceania Championship in Townsville, Queensland. The tournament, scheduled for June 25-27, will feature matches against Olympic champion Fiji, New Zealand, and an Oceania Barbarians team. Kerevi’s inclusion marks his first selection in the sevens format, alongside the return of Lewis Holland, Lachlan Anderson, and Tim Anstee from their Super Rugby commitments. Head coach Tim Walsh emphasized Kerevi’s potential as an impact player, citing his powerful ball-running and tackling abilities. Despite his lack of experience in sevens rugby, Kerevi has been training rigorously, even during his two-week quarantine, to adapt to the faster-paced game. Walsh noted that Kerevi’s presence has already elevated the team’s dynamics, though no guarantees have been made regarding his Olympic selection. The Oceania Championship will serve as a crucial preparatory event for the Tokyo Olympics, where the men’s rugby sevens tournament begins on July 26. This will be Fiji’s first competition in over a year due to COVID-19 restrictions, while New Zealand recently hosted a series with Australian sevens teams. The women’s tournament will also feature Australia’s Olympic champion squad, New Zealand, and Fiji, providing a final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the Games.