Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh has expressed confidence that Mark Nawaqanitawase’s recent experience in rugby league will enhance his impact when he returns to rugby union. The 25-year-old winger, who has also represented the Kangaroos in league, has been finishing the NRL season with the Sydney Roosters, recently scoring two tries in New South Wales’ Game Two loss in the State of Origin series.
Nawaqanitawase is set to join the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan following the NRL campaign but is expected to be available for the Wallabies' upcoming spring tour in November. The tour includes Nations Championship matches against England, Scotland, and Wales, along with the finals weekend at Twickenham.
Waugh highlighted Nawaqanitawase’s physicality and adaptability, noting the player’s growth since switching codes. “He was excelling when he was in rugby and done a really good job in his transition to rugby league,” Waugh said. He added that Nawaqanitawase’s determination to participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been a driving factor behind his return to union.
The Wallabies’ squad selection, including Nawaqanitawase’s inclusion, will be the responsibility of incoming head coach Les Kiss. Nawaqanitawase is likely to compete for a wing spot against players such as Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch, Zac Lomax, Harry Potter, and Corey Toole. However, his impressive performances for Australia at the 2023 World Cup and his prolific try-scoring with the Roosters — 37 tries in 34 games — position him as a strong candidate for immediate inclusion.
Under Rugby Australia’s updated Giteau Law, Nawaqanitawase remains eligible for Wallabies selection despite his overseas contract because he previously played five consecutive Super Rugby seasons with the NSW Waratahs. This means he would not count among the maximum of three overseas-based players allowed for selection beyond the Giteau eligibility rules.
Waugh emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for players like Nawaqanitawase to thrive. “There’s nothing better than playing Test rugby in front of 80,000 people,” he said, noting the appeal of competing in major global stadiums. Waugh expressed hope that Nawaqanitawase’s exposure to the European Nations Championship and Twickenham finals would encourage him to remain engaged with the Wallabies program.
In addition to Nawaqanitawase’s prospects, Roosters teammate Angus Crichton has signed a deal with Rugby Australia in a bid to secure his place for the 2027 World Cup.
Looking ahead, Waugh also commented on the future involvement of outgoing Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, who is set to conclude his tenure after the July 18 Test against Italy in Perth. Schmidt will transition to an assistant coaching role with Australia A, under Stephen Larkham, for later fixtures this year. Waugh praised Schmidt’s contribution to Australian rugby during his time with the team.
In a separate development, Rugby Australia and World Rugby unveiled a sponsorship agreement with Coca-Cola for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The partnership was celebrated with a drone light show over Sydney Harbour, underscoring the event’s significance for Australian rugby.