Mark Nawaqanitawase re-signs with Waratahs, Rugby Australia

Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Waratahs have today announced the re-signing of exciting outside back Mark Nawaqanitawase until the end of the 2024 season.

The 22 year-old made his Wallabies debut on last year’s end-of-season tour to Europe and the UK, playing the final three Tests of the year, and was involved in new coach Eddie Jones’ first Wallabies camp last month.

With Italian and Fijian heritage, it was a proud occasion for Nawaqanitawase to earn his first cap against Italy in Florence, before taking on World Number One Ireland in Dublin a week later.

The winger scored his first tries in gold in the final Test of the year, crossing twice in the Wallabies’ massive come-from-behind victory over Wales.

A fast, strong, athletic winger, Nawaqanitawase has enjoyed a rapid rise in the last two seasons, making a name for himself with his work rate and his spectacular finishing.

Nawaqanitawase grew up in Burwood and attended St Patricks College in Strathfield. He played for the NSW Waratahs Academy and Club Rugby at Eastwood, before representing the NSW Country Eagles in the National Rugby Championship.

The explosive winger was a standout performer for the Junior Wallabies team that was runner-up to France in the 2019 World Championships, scoring a try in the first minute of the Final.

Nawaqanitawase burst onto the scene in his Super Rugby debut in 2020, scoring a double against the Crusaders in Christchurch in the opening round of the competition.

He had a breakout Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season under Darren Coleman in 2022 earning selection in the Australia A program for the Pacific Cup campaign and tour of Japan.

Strong performances in the Australia A program prompted Nawaqanitawase’s selection in the Wallabies squad for their end of season tour.

This season, Nawaqanitawase leads the Waratahs in run metres, tackle breaks, offloads, and carries, demonstrating his all-around ability on the field.