- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Ten months after securing a one-year extension, Nic White’s future in Australian rugby beyond the World Cup is once again on shaky ground.
Indeed, so delicate is the situation, he might have to join another Super Rugby franchise if he wants to continue playing in Australia.
Despite being Dave Rennie’s first-choice halfback and seemingly being a part of Eddie Jones’ leadership team if a photo with six last week is anything to go on, the 32-year-old’s future in Australian rugby is far from settled.
With a British and Irish Lions series only two years away, it’s an interesting scenario given White’s quality and experience.
The Roar can reveal White wants to remain at the Brumbies – and still could – but only if Rugby Australia comes back to the drawing board with a stronger offer.
Nic White’s future in Australian rugby is on shaky ground. Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images
The issue is the governing body has already topped up two of its other halfbacks – Jake Gordon and Tate McDermott – who are both younger than White.
It means that the healthy slice of the pie that White returned on from Exeter in 2020 is that much smaller now.
In addition, while Gordon and McDermott are at the heart and soul of their respective Super Rugby franchises, the Brumbies have another halfback, Ryan Lonergan, who is highly regarded and significantly younger. Like Rugby Australia, the Brumbies can only go so high before breaking the bank.
Lonergan, 25, was highly rated by both Dave Rennie and Scott Wisemantel and has already caught the eye of Jones.
While Jones told reporters earlier this month not to consider much in the selection of only two halfbacks for the recent training camp, Lonergan and White were the only ones included.
Rising halfback Ryan Lonergan is considered the future at the Brumbies. (Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
Jones values White and wants the experienced halfback to stay, but also recognises the need to bring through other players ahead of the Lions series and home World Cup in 2027.
The Brumbies are highly concerned White will be forced to leave the franchise because RA hasn’t budgeted to meet the financial expectations of the 59-Test capped halfback after topping up others first.
White wants to stay in Australia and has long hoped to play against the Lions in 2025.
“Yeah, bloody oath mate,” he told The Roar earlier in the year after being asked about whether he still wanted to play in the series and alongside the likes of Joseph Suaalii.
“Can’t you hear the excitement in my voice over the next five years how good it’ll be here.
“Of course I want to be here. That’s massive. That Lions series can be won or lost off one moment. It was Justin Harrison way back and it was probably Leigh Halfpenny’s boot or a miskick last time they were out, so it can be one moment that can win that series.
“It’s such a big series and yeah, I’d love to be a part of it. Obviously, there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge before then. But how exciting and it’s pretty exciting to have a guy like Joseph come over and throw his hat in the ring for that.”
Eddie Jones shakes hands with Nic White ahead of the Wallabies’ series against England last July. (Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
RA sources have told The Roar the Super Rugby’s salary cap needs to be raised to keep players like White from leaving the game.
One option being floated is for White to join a rival Super Rugby franchise.
The issue is, who? The Reds just re-signed McDermott on a four-year deal while Gordon has agreed to a new two-year deal.
The Force’s Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is starting to blossom and they have Ian Prior signed through until 2024, too.
While the Rebels have Ryan Louwrens and James Tuttle on their books for next year, it’s believed the Melbourne-based franchise were looking to blood a young player but would consider someone of White’s quality if he was interested.
One of the Wallabies’ better known faces and someone with 10 years of international experience to draw on, White would be an astute pick up for the Rebels, who are starting to show real signs of promise under Nick Stiles’ assembled coaching team.
And with Carter Gordon starting to deliver on his immense promise, White could well play an important part in nurturing his development.
After all, development is something White has long spoken about the importance of experience in the halves positions.
“Early on in my career, I’ve made plenty of mistakes that I’ve learned from,” White said last year.
“And now I’m in a position where you try to tell younger guys, ‘This is what I’ve learned’. It’s a decision-making position where you go, ‘OK, I’ve tried that, like when we when come up against the Kiwis, I have tried a few different styles and I get it. But now I know this is the way that works’.”
With pace so important, he said halfbacks simply couldn’t play 80 minutes in the modern game.
“There are finishers now and you want to bring on guys with experience,” White said. “You can’t play a nine for 80 minutes every game, they’ll break.
“Again, I look at a guy like Richard Wigglesworth. I know, at some point down the line, my role will change three, four or five years. But I want to be around to be part of that. I want to be able to help where I can. And if eventually down the line, if I am playing the Lions as a finisher, you can help close out a game.”
Nic White has been an integral part of the Wallabies since 2019 and wants to continue playing through until the British and Irish Lions series. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
While Tom Brady is the modern day freak that has changed the perception of age, he is far from alone.
Johnny Sexton will be 38 by the time the World Cup is played while England’s Danny Care was recalled from an international exile last year by Jones, too.
White spoke of the surprise he got when he told Rugby Australia officials last year he wanted to continue playing through to the Lions series.
“I went into negotiations and it was a bit of a shock to everyone when I said my preference is to stay in Australia for another three, and we got down to one,” White said.
“The Lions is definitely one of the goals when I talk contracting. I feel like early 30s, especially in my position, is not old.
“I look over to England see Danny Care absolutely lighting it up for Harlequins at the age of 35, and I see Richard Wigglesworth still running around at 38 or 39. But for some reason here in Australia you hit 30 and it’s like, ‘Well he is a ticking time bomb – when is he going to break?’
“I am in the peak condition of my career, and I have the data that backs that up. It is showing that I am getting better and better and better, and not just on the field.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.