Samu Kerevi Named Queensland Reds Captain

Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has today announced Samu Kerevi as the St.George Queensland Reds captain for the 2019 Vodafone Super Rugby season.

 
Kerevi has already captained Queensland on seven occasions between 2017-2018 before officially being handed the role this year.

 
In his sixth season at Ballymore, Kerevi is one the most experienced members of the current Reds squad, having played 58 Super Rugby games for Queensland and 25 Tests for Australia.

“I’m massively honoured. Queensland has a rich history of past captains and hopefully I do the players, the club, the state and my family proud,” said Kerevi.

 
“I’ve spoken to Higgers (Scott Higginbotham) and I still want him to lead and drive the team and the standards. He’ll be helping me in this role as he’s captained both the Reds and Rebels for many seasons, so his experience is invaluable.

 
“I’ve told the boys it’s not just about a little ‘C’ next to my name, for me I really want this team to be player driven and to keep each other accountable. That’s the type of culture I want to set – not just playing for myself, but for this team and for the future,” Kerevi added.

 
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s Samu’s time to step up. He is a man who leads by example and has the respect of both his team-mates and coaches.
 

“He’s a humble and hard-working guy. He has experience at the highest level and inspires those around him through his actions both on and off the field.

 
“It’s important to thank Scott (Higginbotham) and recognise the hard work he has put in as Queensland captain. He is still a leader within the group and will provide support to Samu,” said Thorn.
 

Kerevi made his Queensland debut in 2014 against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium and went on to make his Australian debut at the same venue in 2016 against England.

The 25-year-old has also represented McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) and played a pivotal role in City’s back-to-back titles in 2014/2015.

 
The Reds will play the first of their two pre-season matches next Friday February 1 against the Melbourne Rebels in Ballarat, before they host the Chiefs at Ballymore at 7pm on Friday February 8.