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The Wallabies think Nawaqanitawase will play for Australia at the World Cup. He’s not so sure

Twelve months out from rugby’s showpiece, Mark Nawaqanitawase admits he has not decided which nation he will represent, saying: “There’s a lot to think about”.

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 7:54 AM
The Wallabies think Nawaqanitawase will play for Australia at the World Cup. He’s not so sure
Key Things to Know
  • Mark Nawaqanitawase remains undecided on his international allegiance for next year's Rugby World Cup despite Wallabies optimism.
  • The winger declined invitations to rejoin Australia for next month's Nations Championship.
  • Nawaqanitawase will become eligible to represent Fiji and Italy by next August following a mandatory stand-down period.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Mark Nawaqanitawase remains undecided about his international rugby allegiance ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. Despite Wallabies coach Les Kiss and captain Harry Wilson expressing confidence that he will represent Australia, the 26-year-old winger turned down invitations to join the squad for next month's Nations Championship. Nawaqanitawase stated on a podcast that winning, rather than money, is his primary motivation.

By taking the November period off to settle with Japanese club Wild Knights, Nawaqanitawase will become eligible to represent Italy and Fiji next August under the three-year stand-down rule. The cross-code star, who recently won an NRL title with the Sydney Roosters, has heritage linking him to both nations, with a Fijian father and a mother of Italian descent.

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