Tuqiri backs Nawaqanitawase's courage, says Wallabies 'wasting' Lomax

Dual international says code-hopper should be given time to decide his international future

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published24 October 2026

Updated24 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources4 outlets

Dual international Lote Tuqiri has defended Mark Nawaqanitawase's decision to delay his international allegiance and criticised Rugby Australia for leaving Zac Lomax out of the Australia A side to play the United States, saying the Wallabies are wasting the former NRL flyer.

Speaking ahead of Australia A's match in Nashville, Tuqiri said he admired Nawaqanitawase's courage in weighing a switch to Italy or Fiji for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, and that the former Waratah should be given time to make up his mind.

"I like the fact he's got the balls to stand on 10 toes and do what he's doing," Tuqiri said. "He hasn't made up his mind yet, has he? He should be given the time to do that."

Tuqiri, who played for Fiji and Australia in both rugby codes, said representing a heritage nation carries a strong personal pull. "There's a calling for it," he said. "It's more so the pride it gives you; it makes you puff out your chest."

The situation has divided former players. Wallabies great Matt Giteau said on the KOKO podcast: "As a proud Wallaby and a proud Australian, I want people that want to play for our country to play for our country."

NRL boss Peter V'landys has showered Nawaqanitawase with praise and signalled his desire to lure him back from Japan.

Tuqiri also questioned the decision to leave Zac Lomax, who moved from the NRL to the Western Force this season, out of the Australia A starting side. Lomax was named as a late addition to the squad but not selected for the first match against the USA.

"You can't give away Test jerseys, but Australia A is a mechanism to test players out," Tuqiri said. "I think you start him on the wing."

Australia A prop Tom Robertson described the Nashville tour as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" and said the looming World Cup added importance to the fixtures.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The uncertainty over Nawaqanitawase's allegiance could weaken the Wallabies' backline options heading into the 2027 World Cup.
The handling of Lomax's transition from the NRL to rugby union raises questions about how effectively Rugby Australia is developing cross-code talent.
With the USA set to host the 2031 World Cup, the current tour in Nashville highlights rugby's push to grow the sport in North America.

Background

Mark Nawaqanitawase, a Waratahs and Australian Sevens player, has yet to commit to the Wallabies for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with reports linking him to Italy and Fiji. Lote Tuqiri himself switched allegiances multiple times, playing for Fiji and Australia in both league and union. Zac Lomax joined the Western Force from the NRL this season and has scored twice in seven Super Rugby games but missed the home internationals due to a groin injury. Australia A is currently touring the United States, playing the Eagles in Nashville.

Key Perspectives

Lote Tuqiri: Says Nawaqanitawase should be given time to decide and that the Wallabies are wasting Lomax by not playing him in the Australia A side. He also believes Rugby Australia needs to do more to support players even after they leave Super Rugby. Matt Giteau: Expressed a desire for players who want to represent Australia, criticising Nawaqanitawase's indecision. Peter V'landys: Praised Nawaqanitawase and indicated he wants to bring him back to the NRL after his Japan stint. Tom Robertson: Said the USA tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that the World Cup adds significance to the fixtures.

What to Watch

Nawaqanitawase's final decision on his international allegiance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Whether Zac Lomax earns selection in the second Australia A match and pushes for Wallabies honours.
The broader response from Rugby Australia to retain cross-code talent and manage player pathways.

Sources

‘There’s a calling for it’: Tuqiri backs Nawaqanitawase, says Wallabies wasting Lomax · WAtoday
‘There’s a calling for it’: Tuqiri backs Nawaqanitawase, says Wallabies wasting Lomax · Brisbane Times
‘There’s a calling for it’: Tuqiri backs Nawaqanitawase, says Wallabies wasting Lomax · The Age
‘There’s a calling for it’: Tuqiri backs Nawaqanitawase, says Wallabies wasting Lomax · The Sydney Morning Herald

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedTuqiri said, “I like the fact he's got the balls to stand on 10 toes and do what he's doing.”The Age - Latest News: ““I like the fact he’s got the balls to stand on 10 toes and do what he’s doing,” Tuqiri said of Nawaqanitawase.”
SupportedTuqiri said Nawaqanitawase had not made up his mind and should be given time.The Age - Latest News: ““He hasn’t made up his mind yet, has he? He should be given the time to do that,” Tuqiri said.”
SupportedTuqiri said, “There's a calling for it.”The Age - Latest News: ““There’s a calling for it,” he said.”
SupportedTuqiri said representing a heritage nation brings pride that makes you “puff out your chest.”The Age - Latest News: ““It’s more so the pride it gives you; it makes you puff out your chest.””
SupportedMatt Giteau said on the KOKO podcast that he wanted people who wanted to play for Australia to do so.The Age - Latest News: ““As a proud Wallaby and a proud Australian, I want people that want to play for our country to play for our country,” 103-Test Wallaby Matt Giteau said on the KOKO podcast.”
SupportedTuqiri said Australia A is a mechanism for testing players, not a team where Test jerseys should be given away.The Age - Latest News: ““You can’t give away Test jerseys, but Australia A is a mechanism to test players out,” he said.”
SupportedTuqiri said Lomax should start on the wing.The Age - Latest News: ““I think you start him on the wing.””
SupportedThe headline says Tuqiri backed Nawaqanitawase's courage and said the Wallabies were wasting Lomax.The Age - Latest News: “‘There’s a calling for it’: Tuqiri backs Nawaqanitawase, says Wallabies wasting Lomax.”
SupportedThe summary says Tuqiri thought Nawaqanitawase should have time to decide his international future.The Age - Latest News: ““He hasn’t made up his mind yet, has he? He should be given the time to do that,” Tuqiri said.”
SupportedNawaqanitawase was weighing a switch to Italy or Fiji for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.The Age - Latest News: “believes fellow code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase has shown courage by considering a switch to Italy or Fiji for the World Cup. Mark Nawaqanitawase says he hasn’t made up his mind on who he wants to play for at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
Partly supportedTuqiri criticised Rugby Australia for leaving Lomax out of the Australia A side.The Age - Latest News: “Tuqiri said he understood the mixed sentiment toward Nawaqanitawase’s decision to not yet reveal his intentions. “You’d think you’d give him a crack,” Tuqiri said. “But just from an outside looking in, just give him a go.” Lomax, who will join the PNG Chiefs in 2028, was a late addition to the Australia A squad last week but wasn’t picked for the first of two matches starting in Nashville on Sunday against the Eagles. Instead, Stephen Larkham selected Wallaby Dylan Pietsch and rising Queenslander flyer Tim Ryan on the wing.”
Partly supportedTuqiri played for Fiji and Australia in both rugby codes.The Age - Latest News: “Tuqiri played three Tests for Fiji in 2000, before switching allegiances to the Kangaroos.”