Fijian rugby union (FRU) chief executive Koli Sewabu insists the governing body are keeping tabs on the developing situation surrounding Mark Nawaqanitawase, with the door now open for a possible defection.
Earlier this week, Nawaqanitawase’s agent detailed that the winger was weighing up a possible switch of allegiance ahead of his return to rugby union, with him eligible for both Fiji and Italy after serving the three-year stand-down period.
Nawaqanitawase won the last of his 11 Test caps for the Wallabies in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but in that time has become one of the biggest names in the NRL after featuring for the Kangaroos and NSW Blues in State of Origin.
He also ended his spell in the 13-man game with a Grand Final victory, scoring two tries in the Sydney Roosters’ win earlier this month.
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The statement from Nawaqanitawase’s agent has now pricked the ears of the FRU, too, who admit they are now following the situation with interest.
“We are aware of the potential switch Mark could make at the next World Cup and follow this with interest,” CEO Sewabu said.
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“Mark is an outstanding player and there would be genuine interest from Fiji Rugby. Ultimately, it’s up to Mark what jersey he wears but let’s be honest, white might really look good on him on a nice spring day in Newcastle.
“We will support whatever decision he makes and wish him all the best.”
Les Kiss coy on Mark Nawaqanitawase situation
While Fiji have nailed their flags to the mast and detailed they are following developments with interest, Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has decided to play it with a straight bat and remain coy on the situation.
“We’ve had a couple of chats and, as I’ve said, I’ll wait until the end of the year to see where he sits. He’s had a big year, a fantastic year, hasn’t he? The conversations have been about making sure we do what’s right for him,” he said.
“He’s had a big year and he’s been out of rugby for a little while now. He’s keen to be involved at the right time, and that means getting back into rugby (union) and understanding the game a bit better. At this stage, we support him in what he does. He’s part of rugby again now, and we’re happy to continue the conversations and keep him on board.
“Everyone will earn their way (in the World Cup squad), but if he’s playing good footie then he’ll be in the mix. There’s no doubt he’s a quality player that we’ll keep an eye on, and we’ll have some opportunities.
“First and foremost, he needs to get himself together and get back into rugby (union) in Japan. It’s a different game, so he’s got a lot of things to re-learn, but there’s been some positive dialogue.”
Amid the backdrop of Nawaqanitawase’s possible defection, it has also been confirmed the winger made himself unavailable for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests in November, with the Wallabies taking on England, Scotland and Wales next month, but Kiss insists he has other options in his squad.
“That’s no issue,” Kiss continued. “We have plenty of good options (in the current training group), and we’re going to focus on those. He’s got to have a break as well and then get back into rugby.”