Dual-code superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase will not feature for Australia in November’s Nations Championship and is considering switching allegiance to Fiji or Italy ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Nawaqanitawase is returning to rugby union after a successful stint in league with the Sydney Roosters and New South Wales in State of Origin. The 26-year-old wing, who has also won 11 caps for the Wallabies, is one of the most prolific try scorers in both codes of rugby.
Japan move and stand-down period
He has signed for Japanese outfit the Saitama Wild Knights and was expected to be a key man for Australia ahead of next year's home World Cup. But his agent now claims he may not represent the Wallabies as expected, with Fiji and Italy also options following the completion of World Rugby's three-year stand-down period.
That means Nawaqanitawase could potentially face Wales for Italy in the Six Nations.
Agent's statement
“Mark will not be available for international rugby this year,” his agent Milan Volavola-Shankar told News Corp's Code Sports on Tuesday.
“As of August next year, Mark will have completed his three-year international stand-down period. With his heritage making him eligible to represent both Italy and Fiji, he remains open to all options regarding his international future.”
“At this stage, Mark’s priority is establishing himself in Japan and continuing to develop his rugby, with any future international decisions to be considered at the appropriate time.”
Nations Championship and World Cup implications
Australia face England, Scotland and Wales in the Nations Championship next month but will have to do so without Nawaqanitawase. They also host the Rugby World Cup in a year's time and will be desperate to have Nawaqanitawase on the wing.
Rugby Australia has worked hard to persuade some of the biggest names in rugby league to convert to union with the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Zac Lomax and Angus Crichton moving across to the 15-man code.
