Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss insists Mark Nawaqanitawase’s prospects of featuring in the 2027 Rugby World Cup will not hinge on where he signs upon his comeback to the 15-man code.

The 11-Test winger will become the 49th Australian to represent their country in both rugby union and rugby league when he makes his Kangaroos debut in the first Ashes clash in England.

Nawaqanitawase finished as the NRL’s leading try-scorer in his maiden campaign with the Sydney Roosters – crossing 25 times in 24 appearances – but will return to union at the end of his 2026 contract in the hopes of featuring in the home World Cup.

Kiss, currently in charge of the Queensland Reds before taking the Wallabies’ reins from Joe Schmidt mid-next year, did not rule out his Super Rugby Pacific club making a play

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