Ex-Wallabies star to end NRL stint and return to rugby union ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup – report
Mark Nawaqanitawase in action for the Sydney Roosters and the Wallabies (inset).
Former Wallabies speedster Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave rugby league to make his return to rugby union in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, according to Australian media reports.
The 25-year-old has been in sensational form since joining NRL outfit the Sydney Roosters and made a try-scoring debut in the 13-a-side code just over a year ago.
However, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that Nawaqanitawase has informed the Roosters that he will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season.
He reportedly told the club’s officials that he would like to represent the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Australia in two years’ time, and by doing that he has turned down a contract extension with the Roosters.
Set to join overseas-based rugby union club
Nawaqanitawase is set to join an overseas-based rugby union club once his current contract with the Roosters expires, instead of signing for an Australian Super Rugby franchise.
A change in Rugby Australia’s rules will give him an opportunity to still represent his country at the 2027 World Cup despite playing abroad after the governing body scrapped its Giteau Law last month.
The Giteau Law allowed overseas-based Australian players to be eligible for the Wallabies, but only if they met certain criteria, such as having a minimum number of Test caps and a history with Super Rugby.
Nawaqanitawase finished the NRL’s league season as its leading try-scorer with 24 tries from 23 games in 2025.
Despite his impending departure from rugby league, he could still make his international debut in the code for Australia’s Kangaroos in their upcoming Ashes Test series against England.
Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission Peter V’landys said he is keen for Nawaqanitawase to represent Australia in those Tests.
‘He’s an excitement machine’
“Its up to the Australian selectors, however I have no problem and hope they pick him,” V’landys told AAP. “He’s an excitement machine and would add thousands of fans to the Wembley game against England.”
Earlier this month, Nawaqanitawase admitted that despite an enjoyable stint with the Roosters, the thought of turning out for the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup was weighing heavily on his mind.
“It’s a home World Cup so it can’t not be (a lure),” he told AAP ahead of the NRL finals.
“It’s actually going to be a hard decision.
“I love this club so much and I have loved my time here. I know the months after the season are going to be tough.
“It’s obviously a grateful position to be in, in terms of making a decision, but it’s going to be a tough one.”
Nawaqanitawase made 11 Test appearances for the Wallabies in 2022 and 2023 and also represented Australia in rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
