Will Marky Mark switch sides in 2027 Rugby World Cup?
Following his blockbuster finish with the Roosters in the NRL Grand Final, Marky Mark has reportedly ruled out playing for Australia in union this year. But will he switch countries in 2027?
READING LEVEL: GREEN
Cross-code superstar Mark Nawaqanitawase is reportedly considering playing for Fiji or Italy instead of Australia at next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Code Sports has exclusively revealed the winger, 26, who helped the Roosters to premiership glory earlier this month, has told Rugby Australia he is unavailable for their upcoming Nations Championship tour to the UK.
And it is understood he is currently considering an allegiance* switch — with the footy superstar known as “Marky Mark” eligible* for Fiji through his father’s heritage* and Italy through his mother’s side of the family.
At club level, he has joined Japanese rugby union club Panasonic Wild Knights on a two-year deal worth $2 million, where he will play under ex-Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.
The move makes him one of the best-paid rugby stars in the world — and he would be a huge asset to Australia in a home World Cup next year.
However, Nawaqanitawase’s agent Milan Volavola-Shankar has refused to rule out his client choosing to represent a different country.
Volavola-Shankar said: “Mark will not be available for international rugby this year.
“He informed (Wallabies coach) Les Kiss of his decision in July, and Rugby Australia has also been notified.
“Mark’s immediate focus is on his next chapter in Japan, where he will join the Panasonic Wild Knights and concentrate on settling into the club environment and preparing for the season ahead.
“As of August next year, Mark will have completed his three-year international stand-down* period. With his heritage making him eligible to represent both Italy and Fiji, he remains open to all options regarding his international future.
“At this stage, Mark’s priority is establishing himself in Japan and continuing to develop his rugby, with any future international decisions to be considered at the appropriate time.”
Nawaqanitawase represented Australia at the 2023 World Cup, where they suffered a humiliating pool stage exit* following defeats to Fiji and Wales.
But he has not represented the Aussies since helping the Sevens team to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games in July 2024.
Under World Rugby law, a player can switch international teams after a mandatory* 36-month stand-down period.
It means Nawaqanitawase could feature for Fiji or Italy from August 2027.
The World Cup kicks off on October 1 next year.
The Wallabies would be left devastated if Nawaqanitawase were to snub them at the home World Cup following his outstanding couple of years in rugby league.
The big ticket talent has already won an Ashes Test with the Kangaroos, a State of Origin series with New South Wales, and a premiership with the Roosters.
His stellar NRL stint has included a breathtaking 47 tries in 47 games — two of which came in his side’s thrilling grand final victory over the Newcastle Knights.
POLL
GLOSSARY
- allegiance: loyalty to one country
- eligible: being allowed to do or receive something when certain conditions are met
- heritage: history, traditions, practices, ancestry of a particular country, society, family or company that exist from the past and continue to be important
- stand-down: a period where the player doesn’t play International Rugby (three years) in order to switch the country they play for, which can only be done once in a player’s career
- pool stage exit: when a team fails to finish in the top positions of their group in the first rounds of the competition (the pool stage) and gets knocked out of the tournament before reaching the finals
- mandatory: must be followed
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QUICK QUIZ
1. Which two codes of football does Mark Nawaqanitawase play?
2. What is his nickname?
3. Which two countries is he eligible to play for in the World Cup due to his cultural heritage?
4. What is next for the star footballer following his blockbuster finish with the Roosters?
5. What are some of Nawaqanitawase's recent sporting achievements?
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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. What do you think?
Do you think that athletes should be allowed to represent more than one country? Write a convincing paragraph that answers this question.
Time: Spend at least 20 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education
2. Extension
How different would it be for a rugby league player to switch to playing rugby union? Use your own knowledge or research skills to find out. Use the information that you have found to write a list of tips to help young rugby league players like Mark make the change to rugby union.
Time: Spend at least 30 minutes on this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education
VCOP ACTIVITY
To sum it up
After reading the article, use your comprehension skills to summarise in a maximum of three sentences what the article is about.
Think about:
- What is the main topic or idea?
- What is an important or interesting fact?
- Who was involved (people or places)?
Use your VCOP skills to re-read your summary to make sure it is clear, specific and well punctuated.