Nawaqanitawase Signs with Wild Knights

Former Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is returning to his rugby union roots, signing a major deal to join the Saitama Wild Knights for the 2026-27 Japanese season. The 25-year-old dual-code international, who recently made waves in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters, will move to Japan later this year.

The move is strategically timed ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, giving the 11-cap international a platform to push for a national recall. While the official contract length hasn't been confirmed, Australian media reports suggest a lucrative two-year agreement.

Key Highlights of the Move:

• High-Profile Roster: Nawaqanitawase joins a star-studded squad featuring fellow Australian Marika Koroibete and Springbok champions Damian de Allende and Lood de Jager.

• Coaching Connection: He will play under former Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans, who currently has Saitama sitting at the top of the Japan Rugby League One standings.

• Player Reaction: Nawaqanitawase described joining the six-time Japanese champions as a "huge honour," citing the club's rich history and consistent success.

This transition marks another chapter in the winger's versatile career, moving from Super Rugby’s Waratahs to the NRL, and now to one of Asia’s most dominant rugby franchises.