Rugby Australia opens door to Jarome Luai code switch ahead of 2027 World Cup

Rugby Australia has left the door open for Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai to switch codes ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with CEO Phil Waugh stating the governing body is actively seeking the best talent available. Luai, 29, will be uncontracted for roughly 12 months after departing the Tigers at the end of the 2026 NRL season before joining expansion club the PNG Chiefs.

“Our proposition is very different to an NRL proposition and our door’s always open,” Waugh said, as reported by The Daily Telegraph and CODE Sports. “We want to create an environment that attracts the best talent in Australia and around the world, and the door’s always open for those that want to come and experience that experience.”

Luai brings considerable pedigree to any potential negotiation. A four-time NRL Premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers, he has also represented Samoa at two Rugby League World Cups and made 12 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales over five seasons.

The move would place Luai alongside a growing list of NRL converts at Rugby Australia. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii made a high-profile switch in late 2024, earning Player of the Match on his Wallabies debut against England before being named Rookie of the Year at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards. Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax both agreed deals with Rugby Australia earlier this year, with Lomax already training with the Western Force.

Carter Gordon returned to rugby union last October after a stint with the Gold Coast Titans and has since earned two Test caps, while Tom Wright played NRL for the Sea Eagles before joining the ACT Brumbies. Mark Nawaqanitawase, who led the NRL try-scoring charts last season, is heading to Japan Rugby League One side Saitama Wild Knights for the 2026-27 campaign.

“It’s a huge honour to join the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights,” Nawaqanitawase said in a statement. “They are a very strong team that has experienced a lot of success, and it is a club which carries a rich history.”

The Wallabies are meanwhile preparing for a coaching transition, with Les Kiss set to take charge following Joe Schmidt’s final Test in charge. Kiss’s first assignment will be a match against Eddie Jones’ Japan next month.