Hansen weighs in on a Test future
Sir Steve Hansen would like to see Mark Nawaqanitawase pull on an Australia jersey again. He just does not think it is the most sensible path. Discussing the winger’s return to 15-a-side rugby, the former All Blacks coach said Fiji may suit the 26-year-old better, given his commitments in Japan.
Nawaqanitawase spent two years in rugby league with the Sydney Roosters before coming back to union. He has signed with the Saitama Wild Knights and is still weighing his Test options. He holds 11 caps for Australia and would complete a three-year stand-down ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He is also eligible for Italy and Fiji.
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The overseas question
Australia has scrapped the Giteau Law, which limited selections of overseas-based players, and coach Les Kiss is more open to picking them. Selection is still not guaranteed, and that is the gap Hansen’s comments sit in.
Hansen also defended Nawaqanitawase against criticism of his and his agent’s stance, praising the agent as a straight shooter. He described the player as “a very humble young man” who may not realise how excited people are about his return.
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