Wallabies vice-captain Samu Kerevi says he is not serious about switching allegiance to his native Fiji and is disappointed that his comments were “taken out of context.”

Kerevi was quoted by the Fiji Sun as saying his club switch to Suntory Sungoliath was made with the 2023 Rugby World Cup in mind.

“My manager has told me to go to Japan so that I can aim to play for Fiji in the next Rugby World Cup,” Kerevi, who was speaking at a luncheon in his homeland, was quoted as saying.

“It (is) all in the air for me to focus on Japan.

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“I cannot play for the Wallabies because I cannot reach the threshold of 60 caps, which they are trying to lower.”

But the star centre took to Instagram on Monday to offer a new perspective.

“Disappointing to be taken out of context, quotes for things I didn’t say and when your having a bit of a laugh at a function,” Kerevi wrote.

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Samu Kerevi's message on Instagram. Source: Instagram

“I’ve loved representing Fiji in my younger days and I am proud of my Fijian heritage but also extremely proud and honoured to be a Wallaby and all that Australia has done for my family and I.”

Kerevi was among the best performed Wallabies in 2019, finishing as runner up to Marika Koroibete as John Eales Medallist while the Reds star was also named as Australia’s Super Rugby player of the year.

Samu Kerevi of Australia is tackled by Jonathan Davies of Wales. Source: Getty Images

His move to Japan makes the 26-year-old ineligible for selection for Australia — as his 33 Wallabies appearances are short of the 60 Test threshold which overseas based players must meet in order to be considered for the national team.

Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle has said the governing body would review its stance of overseas player eligibility — known as the Giteau Rule and introduced before the 2015 World Cup — in the off-season.