Arabic version: نواكانيتاواسي يحسم مستقبله الدولي في 2027

According to ABC News, Mark Nawaqanitawase will make a decision next year on his international future, leaving open the possibility of representing Australia, Fiji or Italy before the Rugby World Cup begins in Australia on October 1 next year.

The 26-year-old winger represented Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and made 11 Test appearances for the Wallabies in 2022-23. His manager suggested this week that he could choose Fiji, in recognition of his father’s heritage, or Italy, for which he is eligible through his grandmother.

Nawaqanitawase said on Instagram that his immediate focus was moving to Japan in a couple of weeks to join Saitama Wild Knights. He is set for a two-year, $3 million stint with the club under former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. “I will weigh up my options and make a decision next year on my international future,” he posted.

Under World Rugby laws, a switch of allegiance after his appearances for Australia would mean Nawaqanitawase could not play for the Wallabies again. The newly-crowned NRL premiership winner has also enjoyed a successful two-year stint in the NRL.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said he was confident Nawaqanitawase would play for Australia next year, citing their time together in junior Wallabies and the national side. Coach Les Kiss also said he believed the 2023 Olympic sevens star wanted to return to the Wallabies, while adding that conversations would continue.