Mark Nawaqanitawase named in Olympic squad ahead of transfer to rugby league

Talented winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has been named in Australia’s Olympic Sevens squad to compete in Paris at the end of the month.

Australian Sevens Men’s Coach John Manenti shared his excitement about the team named for the game.

“We’re delighted to announce the 2024 Paris Olympic squad – a squad that we’re confident will represent Australia with pride and performance.
 
“The group has over 330 world series tournaments of experience, five previous Olympians and seven debutants.
 
“We welcome Corey Toole and Mark Nawaqanitawase back to the squad, both of whom have had seamless transitions and add an X-factor to our well-established combinations.
 
“We had a really good two weeks in Fiji and Darwin recently and that along with our solid season has the team really well prepared for Paris.”

The flying winger will enjoy this time in France as his final foray before crossing codes to NRL side Sydney Roosters.

“We’re really pleased to be in a position to have Mark join us once his commitments in Paris are over,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson recently said.

“While Mark will be taking the final spot in our roster for 2024, our focus won’t be on rushing him into the NRL, but about fast-tracking his transition into rugby league.”

The young Australian winger has been one of the few shining lights in the gold of the Wallabies in recent times, with fans expressing their disappointment when it was announced that he would be exiting for the increasingly popular National Rugby League. Such has been his quality in struggling Waratahs and Wallabies sides, Nawaqanitawase has even picked up rave reviews from former great, David Campese.

Despite the disappointment for Australian rugby fans, there remains a glimmer of hope for a potential return. The door could still be open for Nawaqanitawase to rejoin the Waratahs and the Wallabies in 2027 when Australia is set to host the Rugby World Cup. This would offer a chance for redemption and reconciliation with the fans who will surely be keenly watching the young winger’s career in the NRL.

Australia men’s rugby sevens squad

1. 1. Henry Hutchison
   2. Ben Dowling
   3. Corey Toole
   4. Dietrich Roache
   5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
   6. Henry Paterson
   7. Hayden Sargeant
   8. James Turner
   9. Matt Gonzalez
   10. Nick Malouf (c)
   11. Maurice Longbottom
   12. Nathan Lawson

Travelling reserves: Michael Icely and Josh Turner

The Australian women’s side will be captained by the immensely talented Charlotte Caslick, one of only two female players ever to win multiple World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Awards, Olympic gold, Commonwealth gold, a Rugby World Cup and the World Series.

“I’m really excited to be heading to a third Olympics and cannot wait to play alongside these girls,” she said.

“We’ve worked really hard to get to this point where we are chasing a gold medal.

“I’ve loved every moment of being able to lead these players and we’re in a good place to play well.

“Paris is an incredible city that will bring the best out of our players. We can’t wait to get over there.”

Australia women’s rugby sevens squad

1. 1. Bienne Terita
   2. Sharni Smale
   3. Faith Nathan
   4. Dominique Du Toit
   5. Teagan Levi
   6. Sariah Paki
   7. Charlotte Caslick (c)
   8. Kaitlin Shave
   9. Tia Hinds
   10. Isabella Nasser
   11. Maddison Levi
   12. Bridget Clark

Travelling reserves: Kahli Henwood and Sidney Taylor