Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Fiji is hoping that family heritage, national identity and the chance to inspire a Pacific nation will persuade Australian rugby star Mark Nawaqanitawase to represent the Flying Fijians at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The Fiji Rugby Union recognises that it cannot match the financial and commercial opportunities available through Australia, but believes representing his ancestral homeland could offer a different kind of reward. Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday has made a personal appeal to the 26-year-old winger, highlighting the cultural ties that connect him to Fiji. Speaking to Reuters, Sanday said the country could offer a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a nation with a strong rugby tradition. The decision has become an important talking point ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which Australia will host. Nawaqanitawase has already represented the Wallabies internationally, but he has not committed to a national team for the upcoming tournament. His next move could have a significant impact on the plans of Australia and Fiji as both countries consider their options for the competition.

Fiji Admits Australia Has a Financial Advantage

Sanday has openly acknowledged that Fiji cannot compete with Australia when it comes to the financial and marketing rewards associated with playing for the Wallabies. Rather than attempting to match those incentives, Fiji is focusing on the personal connection the winger has with his father’s homeland. The chairman’s appeal centres on the idea that representing a national team can mean more than financial benefits. For Fiji, it could be an opportunity for Nawaqanitawase to reconnect with his roots, represent his ancestral community and inspire young rugby players across the Pacific. Fiji has a relatively small population compared with major rugby nations, yet it has produced internationally recognised players and teams. Sanday believes the country’s determination and achievements on the global stage are reasons for the winger to consider wearing the Flying Fijians jersey. He has also indicated that Fiji would welcome Nawaqanitawase even if he chose to represent the country for only one year before returning to Australia. The suggestion reflects the importance Fiji places on having the talented winger contribute to its campaign, even if the arrangement were temporary.

Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Fijian Heritage Could Influence His Choice

Nawaqanitawase has spoken positively about his connection to Fijian culture and his childhood experiences with relatives from his father’s side of the family. He recalled growing up in a household where Fijian family members regularly visited and described school holiday trips to his ancestral village. Those visits involved playing informal games with other children, enjoying outdoor activities and swimming in the river. Such experiences helped maintain his connection with the culture and community associated with his family background. Sanday believes these links could influence the winger’s decision. He has highlighted the importance of the village, tribe and clan connected to Nawaqanitawase’s family, arguing that representing Fiji would provide an opportunity to acknowledge those roots on an international stage.  The appeal is also aimed at the wider significance of representation. A player with experience at the highest level could become an important figure for young athletes in Fiji, showing them that their country can compete against the world's leading rugby nations.

Australia Wants the Winger for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Australia remains a strong contender for Nawaqanitawase’s international future. The winger previously represented the Wallabies in Test rugby and played for Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Wallabies coach Les Kiss is interested in securing his services for the 2027 tournament on home soil. Having an experienced and dynamic winger available could provide Australia with another attacking option as it prepares for the competition. However, Nawaqanitawase declined to join Australia’s squad for its Nations Championship Tests and has said he will not make a decision about his international future until 2027. That leaves uncertainty around whether he will return to the Wallabies or pursue another option. The timing is significant because the next World Cup will be held in Australia, giving the host nation the advantage of playing in front of home supporters. A decision to represent Australia would allow Nawaqanitawase to continue his existing international journey, while choosing Fiji would give him an opportunity to represent his ancestral homeland. For now, neither side can claim his commitment. The competition for his services is likely to remain a subject of discussion as the tournament approaches.

Italy Is Another Possible Option

Nawaqanitawase also has Italian heritage through his mother's side of the family. This connection has added another dimension to the discussion about his international future, with Italy also being considered among his possible options. The winger has previously spoken about his links to both Fijian and Italian cultures. His background means his decision is not limited to choosing between Australia, where he has already played international rugby, and Fiji, the country connected to his father's family. His final choice will depend on his eligibility under the applicable World Rugby regulations, his ambitions and the opportunities available to him. Each option would represent a different sporting path and a different connection to his personal background. The possibility of Italy also highlights the increasingly international nature of modern rugby, where family heritage and eligibility rules can create several national-team options for players with multicultural backgrounds.

From Rugby League Success to a Return to Union

Nawaqanitawase has recently completed a successful spell with the Sydney Roosters in Australia's National Rugby League. His tries helped the club secure the NRL title earlier this month, adding another major achievement to his career. He is now preparing to return to rugby union after signing a two-year contract with Japan's Saitama Wild Knights. The move will bring him back to the 15-player format, where he previously established himself as a Wallabies winger. Switching between rugby league and rugby union requires adjustments in tactics, positioning, defensive responsibilities and the overall structure of the game. His club performances in Japan could therefore be important as he rebuilds his rhythm in union and considers his next international step. Speaking on The Good, the Bad & The Rugby podcast, Nawaqanitawase indicated that success in his next chapter was a greater motivation than money. He said he still had more to prove and wanted to join a team where he could contribute and pursue victory. His comments suggest that sporting ambition will be an important part of the decision, alongside family heritage and financial considerations.

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Why Fiji Believes Nawaqanitawase Could Make a Difference

Fiji's appeal reflects the importance of the winger to its World Cup ambitions. A player with experience in international rugby and the ability to perform at a high level could strengthen the team's attacking options and provide valuable experience to younger teammates. His potential involvement could also attract greater attention to Fiji's campaign. Players with established international profiles can inspire young athletes, increase public interest and help bring wider recognition to their national teams. But Fiji's approach is not based only on what Nawaqanitawase could contribute on the field. Sanday's comments place equal emphasis on the player's relationship with his ancestral village and the opportunity to represent a community with which he has longstanding family ties. The chairman's willingness to accept a possible one-year commitment also indicates how highly Fiji values the opportunity. Even a short period with the national team could be meaningful for the country and its supporters.

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