Manu Nawalu becomes the first Fijian player to represent Japan in rugby league

Manu Nawalu has become the first Fijian player to represent Japan in rugby league, as the sport is still in its early stages of development in the country.

Nawalu is the son of former Flying Fijians scrum-half Paulo Nawalu, who represented Fiji at the 1987 Rugby World Cup.

He spent nine years playing semi-professional rugby with the Akita Northern Bullets, retiring from the club in 2019.

Despite stepping away from the semi-professional level, he remained active in the sport and has continued playing club rugby from 2020 to the present.

Nawalu previously represented Fiji in age-grade rugby at the Under-21 level and also featured in local competitions for Suva and the Suva Highlanders during the Colonial Cup tournaments.

Having grown up in Japan since childhood, Nawalu says the level of competition in rugby union has changed significantly and has become more challenging. He adds that the introduction of rugby league in Japan—across both divisions—has brought in world-class players and coaches, raising the overall standard of the sport.

He also notes that club and university rugby in Japan are now far more structured and physical than before.

At 34, after retiring from the Akita Northern Bullets, he relocated to Osaka, where he now works for a demolition company while continuing to play club-level rugby.

Nawalu admits he had never played or even watched a full rugby league match before.

When he was offered the chance to play and represent Japan, he accepted, believing such opportunities come only once.

He began learning the rules through YouTube and decided to give league a try because the sport is still developing in Japan.

Ultimately, he wanted to give back to the game and apply the knowledge he gained from his rugby union experience.

He says he is thoroughly enjoying rugby league, especially its physical aspects.

The former Marist Brothers High School student says that if another opportunity arises next year, he will definitely take it—so long as his body allows.

His advice to young Fijians hoping to pursue rugby in Japan is to work hard, stay disciplined, and take care of their bodies.

Nawalu says that talent may open doors, but attitude is what keeps you moving forward.

He encourages players to stay committed, respectful, and eager to learn, adding that Japan offers many pathways and opportunities waiting to be explored.