Australian cross-code international winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to return to rugby union later this year, having signed with Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights. The 25-year-old athlete has made a significant impact in rugby league, recently playing for the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, after dedicating four seasons to Super Rugby with the NSW Waratahs.
With 11 caps for the Wallabies under his belt, Nawaqanitawase is looking towards the future, including a spot in the upcoming Rugby World Cup set to take place in Australia next year. He expressed his excitement about joining the six-time champions of Japan, calling it “a huge honour.”
In addition to this significant career move, Nawaqanitawase will reunite with fellow Australian international Marika Koroibete at Saitama, further solidifying the bridge between the two codes of rugby and showcasing the growing trend of rugby players transitioning between leagues and countries for broader opportunities. This move not only highlights Nawaqanitawase’s ambition but also reflects a vibrant and dynamic rugby community that continues to evolve globally.