Wallabies World Cup halfback Nic White says he has no expectation but will happily play Super Rugby AU if given the chance after returning to Brumbies training this week with a goal of retaining his Test spot.
Following more than five years away playing in France and the UK, White said he felt at home after arriving back in Canberra, where he played 67 games from his Super Rugby debut in 2011.
If not for the season delay caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the 30-year-old would have arrived back after the Brumbies 2020 campaign ended, not expecting to turn out for them till 2021.
But he’s now a chance to suit up this year for the Brumbies, who are unbeaten and already have Joe Powell, Ryan Lonergan and Issak Fines in the selection mix at No.9.
“Super Rugby would have been finished by the time I got back so there’s no expectation from my end to come in and play,” White said on Tuesday.
“If there’s the opportunity to do that in the back end I’d love to but for now I’m just happy to be able to run around with the boys.
“I’ll be training … but at the same time they’ve got a full squad and I understand that’ll be quite hard on some guys.”
White has been in two weeks quarantine with a toddler and second son, Sonny, whose birth delayed their departure from the UK.
He said during lockdown in England he’d still been able to train for an hour a day and didn’t feel too much off the pace.
“I’m certainly plenty running fit; the gym’s going to hurt maybe for a week or two but I feel pretty fit,” White said.
“Maybe the contact might take a little while but I feel like I’m not far off in that regard.
“I’ll ease back in and just listen to the body and I’d like to think I’m a little bit older and mature and look after myself.”
White has been in regular contact with new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, with his Exeter team playing twice against Glasgow, where Rennie coached this year before leaving for Australia.
“I’ve had a few conversations and was able to meet with him when we played Glasgow and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to be a part of that and be coached by Dave and the team he’s put together so exciting times ahead.”
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Joe Powell is playing like a doomed man.
BillPosters
Roar Rookie
Would love to see this guy kit up from Eastwood again. Yappiest little HB I’d ever seen and could kick the ball for miles.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
100% agree with you here. I don’t see White as the best short term solution either for the WBs and it is a poor move by the ponies to sign him with such depth at this position. 1 or 2 of the current 9’s will head Offshore and again lower the overall depth of our player stocks. If only we had a centralized contracting system where these players could be moved to a club that could use some depth.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Tend to agree, good to have him back in Oz but geez the Brumbies are well served at 9 this season. A loan stint to another Super team would make sense. Moving forward, a little surprised the Ponies signed him with Powell as the established 9.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Personally I’m not sure he’s the answer. Looked good against a tired Genia and an out of sorts Phipps but tended to buckle under pressure and show why they both overtook him in the ratings. If nothing else it’ll add to the challenge but I’m hoping Tate McDermott continues to improve as I think he’s demonstrating the best play at the moment
Bobwire
Guest
Good to get White on the field, I don’t think he is the answer at 9. It will be good to have all the 9’s putting their claims in.
pm
Roar Rookie
Glad to hear it's a long rest planned. Muscles will usually recover more fully than ligaments and tendons with a good long rest.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Yeah, Tahs don't really have any proven depth below Gordon and yet White's aligned with a club that seems to have plenty. I wonder if a sensible shift could be arranged for the term of this year's competition?
Brett McKay
Expert
No idea. It's all guesswork at the moment, but eight weeks could have him back for the SR-AU finals, so he still could, for sure...
Mirt
Roar Rookie
If he doesn’t play, then how could he be considered for wb (incumbent or not) . When was his last game? . In two weeks would be a good return, for a game against QLD and the in form McDermott
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
Strong half back stocks at the Brumbies, I think they signed another junior halfback on development contract earlier this year too. Thinking forward, I would be starting White and focus on developing Lonergan as backup to take over in a few years. Harsh on Powell, who has been very good and is a local product, but hasn't progressed his game enough in the last couple of years. Hopefully he can stay in Aus though...maybe Rebels?
GoldenEye
Roar Rookie
That's a shame. Do you think he was a chance to make the Wallabies training squad?
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I think with Kunzele (?) and Pasitoa (?) they are pretty well covered
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Interesting the 9s who have greatly improved in England - White, Faf, Reinech. A different way of playing I suppose, another string to your bow.
Brett McKay
Expert
Yeah, eight weeks, the Brumbies confirmed just in the last hour...
GoldenEye
Roar Rookie
Maybe Nic can have a crack at fly-half…. wouldn’t that be interesting. Any news on Lolesio’s injury?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
There was a story a few weeks/months ago indicating perhaps the US
MitchO
Guest
Or Lonegran or Fines. A runner like Fines may do well in Japan but maybe Lonegran goes instead. Fines has unfinished business. Powell has unfinished business and Lonegran is the future so he has business he's only just started. There will be a spot on the Force roster in a season or two. Prior can't maintain the level for ever. Abel is probably good enough to step up. Still White is 30 so in a year or two he may be out of the top level too.
Wally
Roar Rookie
Yep, feel for Joe.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I wonder where Joe Powell will be off to?