Samu Kerevi admits his days in Wallaby gold may be over, firing a parting shot at his detractors in saying "don't ever question my love for it".
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The star inside centre has joined "hurt" flyhalf Quade Cooper in posting messages on social media detailing their heartbreak at being forced to withdraw from the Wallabies' Spring Tour.
Japan-based trio Kerevi, Cooper and Sean McMahon pulled out at the 11th hour as the Wallabies prepare for upcoming Test matches against Scotland, England and Wales.
Their decisions come with varying reasons: fatigue, wanting to stay with family, and a lack of support from the club who pays their salaries.
But the controversial decision to walk away from a tour so late has sparked questions about the trio's desire to play for the Wallabies, amid concern loosening the Giteau Law for overseas-based players would leave Rugby Australia the victims of mercenary behaviour.
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"I've changed what I've wanted to write on this post many times. I've felt angry, sad, confused, betrayed but mostly heart broken," Kerevi wrote.
"I'm trying my best to let God take control instead of letting my emotions take over .. But be careful, God has a way of bringing out the truth one way or the other. He has his ways of humbling us all!
"I thank my club [Suntory] for allowing me this opportunity during my holiday to continue to pursue that dream.
"I cherish my time in the Wallaby gold and having this opportunity to again represent this country has been amazing. Most importantly my team mates who we grow with each day through the highs and lows [and] Dave and his staff for their efforts the past few months.
"It's never any one players jersey! You need strong shoulders when you put that jersey on because you carry the history of all the players of the past that [paid] it forward as I will one day leave it for the next. That time may be now and if it is I will forever be grateful to have had played a part in the Wallaby journey.
"One thing, don't ever question my love for it!"
The loss of Cooper coupled with an injury to Reece Hodge has forced the Wallabies to call upon young flyhalf Noah Lolesio, who will fly to England to join the squad as soon as possible.
Kurtley Beale will also be drafted into camp ahead of the UK tour opener against Scotland at Murrayfield in the early hours of November 8 [AEDT].
Rennie stressed "we want guys who are desperate to be Wallabies" following Cooper's withdrawal, which made him the third player to tear up a plane ticket to the UK, adding: "I know Quade says he is, but he's torn. I think if he had the support of the club, and the blessing of the club, he'd have come. But he hasn't".
"My growth as a man is being able to admit I'm hurt," Cooper wrote on Instagram.
"It hurts that I won't be on tour to Europe with my teammates, especially after experiencing so much growth and overcoming challenges each week. I'm hurt that I couldn't please everyone and keep both my employer and country happy.
"But although I am hurting now, the happiness I feel from my journey to this point far outweighs the hurt. I am so thankful to everyone, from my club [Kintetsu] for allowing me to play for Australia again, to Renz and the [Wallabies] staff for inviting me in to what proved to be an incredible atmosphere and for all your efforts the past few months but most of all to my teammates and brothers.
"We challenge each other to be better each day and as a result we saw enormous growth both as men and as athletes. Thank you for making the last few months possible. This journey has no finish line and my efforts to continue to walk this path will not change.
"What's meant to be will be."
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