In a bombshell signing twist, and a pointer towards a more effective and strategic contracting system in Australia, Wallabies halfback Nic White is set to move to the Western Force next season.
What’s more, The Roar understands the move could have a domino effect elsewhere with Waratahs halfback Harrison Goddard in conversations to head to Canberra as a result.
It’s a huge coup for the Force, who are in desperate need of some international class in its backline, particularly with Gareth Simpson set to return to England.
But it’s also a boost for Australian rugby, who must retain as many of its stars as possible if Super Rugby is to make a mark once again in the crowded sports market Down Under.
White is not just the Wallabies’ first-choice No.9, he’s also one of the few recognisable Australian players at home and abroad.
Nic White is set to move to the Western Force. Photo Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The experienced Wallaby’s preference was to stay at the Brumbies, but financial constraints, especially from a Rugby Australia top-up perspective, has seen the Force be able to offer the halfback more money.
White could have moved abroad but has long expressed a desire to continue playing for the Wallabies and put himself in the best position to take on the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
“Yeah, bloody oath mate,” he told The Roar earlier in the year.
“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.
By staying in Australia, he will put himself in a position to achieve both goals.
He is the second big name in as many weeks linked to a high-profile move to the Force, with James O’Connor set to make a remarkable return to the franchise 17 years after bursting onto the scene.
Ryan Lonergan is set to become the Brumbies’ first-choice No.9. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images
After Simon Cron was forced to pick up players from overseas in his first season in charge, the backline signings also reflect positively on the Force given they’re both Wallabies.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones had a pointed crack at the Force on his podcast earlier in the year when he described the team as one resembling a Barbarians squad and not doing enough to push Australians.
That sentiment was backed up at Jones’ first Wallabies training squad, where Tom Robertson was the only Force player selected.
White is the perfect replacement for Englishman Simpson.
With Ian Prior in the twilight of his career, White looms as the perfect partner in crime with Issak Fines-Leleiwasa at the Force.
A former teammate of White at the Brumbies, Fines-Leleiwasa has taken another positive step in 2023 after returning to the Force last year.
A different player to White, Fines-Leleiwasa has the great ability to break open up a game and challenge defences around the ruck.
But he is still learning how to control the tempo of a match from the outset. White’s experience will help.
He will also help the development of Reesjan Pasitoa, who suffered an ACL injury last year which has robbed him of action in 2023.
Like Fines-Leleiwasa, Pasitoa played alongside White at the Brumbies.
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is set to be joined by his former Brumbies teammate Nic White. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Back at the Brumbies, meanwhile, White’s departure will see Ryan Lonergan left to take charge after playing second fiddle to the Wallabies halfback for years.
Although they have shared time in 2023, Lonergan will have more time to develop by being a regular starter.
He could have another young gun nipping at his heels too, with Goddard in conversations to join the Brumbies.
Goddard, 25, linked back with Darren Coleman this season after starring under him at the LA Giltinis.
But with Jake Gordon a regular 80-minute player and Teddy Wilson a rising star, Goddard has struggled for regular game time despite impressing observers earlier in the season.
Should he indeed join the Brumbies, he will give Stephen Larkham another readymade halfback.
GusTee
Roar Pro
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GusTee
Roar Pro
Hey Haydaze – Why not cut all 5 Aussie SR sides? :sick:
Ball Handling 101
Roar Rookie
Surprised to learn that we are in the so called "McDermott Era" when the guy wasn't even picked in the Wallabies squad. For the people like yourself who endeavour to gaslight the rest of the Aus Rugby community by exaggerating this myth of White not having a running game in order to make McDermott seem a comparatively better player: is your theory that if you keep saying it then it might eventually become true? Now without the BS - McDermott is clearly a talented running 9 however it's evident that his lacklustre passing and high probability of having his box kicks charged down limit his game management ability. Just ask the consecutive Wallabies coaches who haven't picked him!
Ball Handling 101
Roar Rookie
don't forget attempts a box kick that gets charged down too!
Poatan
Roar Rookie
you're kidding hahaha. Force lost to canes by 3, rebels lost to canes by 6, highlanders got pumped by about 17 at home to the hurricanes. In terms of records, rebels have won 4 of their last 5 games against the highlanders.... force also just beat them. You might as well back otago to beat brumbies in canberra next week as well, wow whee.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Markus, the Brumbies has been much better at developing players and I think they also benefited from weaknesses in NSW’s talent identification. This reputation as franchise of choice surely helped to attract the best young talent across Australia today. If Australia wants to stem the decline in the Wallabies’ competitiveness we need more than one franchise that is good at developing players.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
Gee wiz, yes, ok, I know that, but they're the Kiwis' weakest team and they're still better placed than several of ours. From memory they finished above the Force and Rebels last year, and I think they're still above both of them again this year (but I haven't checked...). If my life depended upon the outcome of a Highlanders v Force or Rebels game, I know I'd go with Otago every time. I think they were also very unlucky to lose to the Hurricanes recently, and for large chunks of that match they looked the better team. Even missing several players.
Poatan
Roar Rookie
Highlanders often beating our teams? ???????????? Last year the rebels, tahs (in nz), and brumbies (in melbourne) all beat the highlanders, and this year force, and tahs have both beaten them, and they are still to play reds, rebels, and brumbies. They will be lucky to go 1 from 5 this year against Aussie teams.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Should be 22/23. Believe he played Schools rugby in 2018. Signed with Brums from 2019.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Didn't say they should take him, only look at him.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
We'll hear nothing for the WForce until the players have announced the done deal themselves. I get the impression that these moves are more uncertain than presented in this article. IF true - Excellent! WF needs to continue with the mix of experience and young talent. Add them to our list of Wallabies to get more wins while keeping top players in Australia. White has the ability to drive the forwards. JOC will help turn our backs into a Force to be reckoned with and help develop out young 10s. Both of these players fit into the game plan and skill-set that the current player group is developing. Possibly good stuff Simon Cron et al.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Back in the Shute Shield with Eastwood, a couple of pages suggest he's looking pretty flash. He'd have to only be 20 years old if the Brumbies signed him out of school, maybe a smart signing for the Tahs next year.
Markus
Roar Rookie
The Brumbies have rarely attracted the obvious best talent. Their success has been from better talent identification and ability to get the best out of players even if they aren't the most talented.
Dusty10
Roar Rookie
I certainly don't only see "the bad and the miserable", that would be you stating your opinion as fact. I see amazing skill and potential in players like Tom Wright and Len Ikitau, I see a depth of talent in our tight 5 that we haven't had in years, I see real potential on Corey Toole and Mark Nawaqinitawase. I also see a history of losses against Kiwi sides for years, with really only the Brumbies propping us up. I hope this changes in the near future, but I'm almost certain it won't. That's not pessimism, mate, it's reality and pragmatism.
Brumboy
Roar Rookie
I totally agree. And my comment wasn't against the Force, they're my next team behind the Brumbies. I thought the decision to axe the Force was stupid and typical of RA. That's why a central system with RA calling the shots of who teams contract makes me nervous. They aren't known for making good decisions over the long term. If White leaves to the Force, I'll be unhappy, but at least he's playing for my next team and not for the Waratahs or Reds.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
They’re not even going to be at the same franchise haha
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
we’re very happy to have Whitey coming west. He’ll do wonders helping us graduate more out of the academy into SR.
piru
Roar Rookie
Feel how you like mate, you’re entitled to your opinion. If you want to only see the bad and be miserable that’s up to you – I only ask that you stop stating your opinion as fact.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Jeznez, South Africa set the decision criteria and every franchise including the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers had to state their case to remain in Superugby. The decision was therefore more acceptable to all stakeholders as the process was fair.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
Haha, just having a bit of fun.