Fiji break silence on Mark Nawaqanitawase’s possible shock defection as Les Kiss remains coy on explosive revelation: news

Fiji Rugby Monitors Mark Nawaqanitawase Defection as Les Kiss Remains Coy

Fijian Rugby Union (FRU) chief executive Koli Sewabu has confirmed the union is closely monitoring developments surrounding code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase, following reports that the former Wallabies winger is considering an international switch of allegiance to Fiji ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The revelation follows comments from Nawaqanitawase’s management indicating the Sydney Roosters star is weighing his options at Test level rather than committing to Australia upon his return to rugby union.

Eligibility and Stand-Down Timeline

Nawaqanitawase won the last of his 11 Test caps for Australia during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Under World Rugby eligibility regulations, players can switch national allegiance following a mandatory three-year stand-down period, provided they qualify through ancestry (birthplace of player, parents, or grandparents).

• Stand-down status: Nawaqanitawase becomes eligible to represent Fiji (or Italy through heritage) roughly two months prior to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

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• Club future: Having wrapped up his NRL stint with a premiership victory for the Sydney Roosters, he is set to join Japan’s Panasonic Saitama Wild Knights on a lucrative multi-year deal.

  Planet Rugby

• Tour status: He has reportedly informed Rugby Australia that he will not participate in the upcoming Nations Championship tour to the UK.

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FRU and Wallabies Reactions

While FRU officials have acknowledged their active interest in securing talent of his caliber, Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has maintained a cautious stance. Addressing the speculation, Kiss noted that while he had reached out earlier in the season, he intends to let the post-NRL Grand Final period settle before initiating direct discussions regarding Nawaqanitawase’s international roadmap.

Fellow cross-code international Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii welcomed the prospect of Nawaqanitawase returning to the 15-man code, noting that intense squad competition benefits the national setup regardless of how the selection picture evolves.