Wallabies coach Les Kiss makes extraordinary claim Mark Nawaqanitawase needs to ‘re-learn’ rugby union

Wallabies coach Les Kiss claimed that Mark Nawaqanitawase needs to re-learn the nuances of rugby before earning a national team recall ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Rather than guaranteeing a spot for the returning dual international, Kiss emphasized that Australia currently has plenty of good options and that everyone must earn their selection. The remarks follow comments from Nawaqanitawase's agent suggesting the winger could also consider representing Italy or Fiji at the tournament.

Nawaqanitawase recently finished a successful two-year rugby league stint in the NRL, winning a premiership with the Sydney Roosters. He is now set to join Japan's Saitama Wild Knights as a free agent on a reported two-year, $3 million contract under coach Robbie Deans.