Nawaqanitawase refuses to rush Test allegiance call ahead of 2025 Rugby World Cup

Mark Nawaqanitawase has broken his silence on mounting speculation about his Test allegiance, confirming via Instagram that he will not make a decision on his international future until 2025, with Australia, Italy, and Fiji all eligible options for the 26-year-old cross-code star.

The announcement comes days after Nawaqanitawase wrapped up a two-year NRL stint with the Sydney Roosters, capping it with a standout performance in the Premiership final that delivered the Provan–Summons Trophy. His agent had already signalled that no international commitment had been made, and Nawaqanitawase’s own words now confirm the timeline.

“I just thought I would jump on here as there has been a lot of speculation on my future,” he wrote in an Instagram story. “My only focus right now is moving to Japan in a couple of weeks and connecting with my new team at Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. I will weigh up my options and make a decision next year on my international future. Love, Marky.”

Nawaqanitawase had already ruled himself out of the upcoming November Nations Championship Tests, and his statement makes clear that both his allegiance and his availability remain open questions heading into a Rugby World Cup year. Australia will host the 2025 tournament, adding considerable weight to the decision.

Despite the uncertainty, those inside the Wallabies camp remain publicly confident. Captain Harry Wilson, speaking to media on Friday, said: “I don’t think I have to convince him. I played Junior Wallabies with him, played Wallabies with him, saw him last night supporting the Kangaroos. I think it’s pretty obvious who he wants to play for.”

Wallabies head coach Les Kiss echoed that confidence without overstepping. “There’s no doubt that he wants to be back in the game for us, that’s for sure,” Kiss said. “So we’ll continue our conversations and go from there. I’m not going to speak on his behalf, but we know where he wants to play.”

Nawaqanitawase was one of the standout performers at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and went on to represent Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His Fijian and Italian heritage means two other unions retain a legitimate claim, and with a home World Cup on the horizon, the stakes of his eventual choice could hardly be higher.