Mark Nawaqanitawase is carefully considering which national team to represent in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with his primary focus on joining the side best positioned to win the tournament. The 26-year-old, a cross-code athlete eligible to play for Australia, Fiji, or Italy under World Rugby’s three-year stand-down eligibility rules as of August next year, has not yet made a final decision.

Nawaqanitawase spoke about his dilemma during an interview in the United Kingdom with podcast hosts Alex Payne and former England international James Haskell. It marked the first time he publicly addressed his potential allegiance since revealing on social media last week that he is exploring all three options.

Currently signed on a two-year, $3 million contract with Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights, Nawaqanitawase emphasized that his choice is not financially motivated. He explained that while international players receive match fees and allowances, his main consideration is the environment and support system that can replicate the sense of success and fulfillment he experienced winning the NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters this year.

"That's the biggest thing that's made me open to everything," Nawaqanitawase said. "I've come from an experience at the Roosters where the set-up from top to bottom just made me feel a certain way. I definitely have to think about where I'm going to find that feeling again."

Born to a Fijian father, Sevoluni, a former league player, and an Italian mother, Fiona, he grew up immersed in both cultures. He recounted a childhood surrounded by Fijian family members as well as Italian heritage, with family gatherings often featuring Italian language and cuisine.

“I’ve grown up in a household full of Fijians,” Nawaqanitawase said. “My mother’s fluent in Italian, and my aunties and grandparents have grown up on the same street. At any special event, there’s Italian food and the language being spoken. Plus, growing up with multiple Fijian families rotating through the house has been a big part of my life.”

Regarding the financial aspects of representing each potential nation, the Wallabies are reported to provide about $10,000 per match, which is roughly the same amount paid by Italy. Fiji reportedly offers Fijian players a $20,000 sign-on bonus for the tournament, along with a daily allowance of about $315.

Nawaqanitawase said he still has much to prove in his international career and wants to contribute meaningfully wherever he commits. “Whoever it’s for, I want to go and win it,” he said, referring to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He plans to make his decision early next year.