Code Sports reports the Roosters’ Grand Final hero has told Rugby Australia he will not travel with the squad to the UK for their Nations Championship tour.
He will instead consider joining Fiji, who he’s eligible for through his biological father, while he’s also eligible for Italy.
His agent Milan Volavola-Shankar told the outlet that Nawaqanitawase will not be available for international rugby this year.
He says Nawaqanitawase has informed Wallabies coach Les Kiss of his decision in July, and Rugby Australia has also been notified.
Volavola-Shankar says Nawaqanitawase's immediate focus is on his next chapter in Japan, where he will join the Panasonic Wild Knights and concentrate on settling into the club environment and preparing for the season ahead.
He adds that as of August next year, Nawaqanitawase will have completed his three-year international stand-down period and with his heritage making him eligible to represent both Italy and Fiji, he remains open to all options regarding his international future.
His agent says at this stage, Nawaqanitawase's priority is establishing himself in Japan and continuing to develop his rugby, with any future international decisions to be considered at the appropriate time.
Nawaqanitawase’s agent is the brother of Fiji playmaker Ben Volavola.
We have sent questions to the Fiji Rakavi Football Union if they will give an opportunity to Nawaqanitawase to be part of the FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
Source: Fox Sports
