- Mark Nawaqanitawase has ruled himself out of Australia’s upcoming Tests, raising questions about his international future
- Jake White’s Fiji appointment has added a new twist to the former Wallabies winger’s career options
- The 26-year-old could have more than one international route when his eligibility changes in 2027
Source: Getty Images
Former Australia winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is considering his international options after ruling himself out of the Wallabies’ November Tests. Fiji, now led by former Springboks coach Jake White, is among the teams he could represent.
The 26-year-old recently moved from the Sydney Roosters in rugby league to Japan’s Panasonic Wild Knights. His decision leaves uncertainty over whether he will return to Australian Test rugby.
According to SA Rugby Magazine, Nawaqanitawase’s international future could involve Fiji or Italy because of his family heritage.
Why Nawaqanitawase is unavailable for Australia
His agent, Milan Volavola-Shankar, confirmed that the winger would not feature in Australia’s upcoming Nations Championship matches against England, Scotland and Wales.
“Mark will not be available for international rugby this year,” Volavola-Shankar told Code Sports.
“He informed [Wallabies coach] Les Kiss of his decision in July, and Rugby Australia has also been notified.”
The agent added that Nawaqanitawase would complete his three-year international stand-down period in August 2027. He would then be eligible to consider representing Fiji or Italy, subject to the applicable international eligibility rules.
Jake White’s Fiji appointment adds intrigue
Fiji confirmed Jake White as its new head coach on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The former Springboks coach, who led South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title, will now guide Fiji towards the 2027 tournament in Australia.
Wallabies coach Les Kiss, meanwhile, said he was still waiting to speak to Mark Nawaqanitawase about his international future. Speaking to reporters in Auckland, Kiss said:
“I haven’t heard back from him yet, but we’ll see.”
He added:
“I’ll just let it settle for this week and then have some conversations and see where it goes.”
What happens next?
Nawaqanitawase’s immediate priority is establishing himself in Japanese rugby. His agent said the player remained open to international options, leaving Australia, Fiji and Italy to wait uncertainly for his next move.
White’s appointment gives Fiji another talking point as it prepares for the 2027 World Cup, but Nawaqanitawase has not committed to representing the Flying Fijians.
Source: Briefly News
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