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Nic White’s bombshell move to the Western Force has been confirmed.
As The Roar revealed last week, the Wallabies halfback has signed a new two-year deal that will see the 32-year-old remain in Australian rugby through to the crucial British and Irish Lions series in 2025.
Financial pressures, including Rugby Australia’s decision to top-up Tate McDermott and Jake Gordon, have seen the Brumbies unable to keep the “world class” halfback.
With more than a dozen Wallabies on their books already too, the Brumbies, who also have fellow halfback Ryan Lonergan on the cusp of international selection, couldn’t afford to throw massive amounts of money to keep White. It is also part of the reason Pete Samu will head to France following the Rugby World Cup, with the Brumbies’ back-row stocks stacked with talent and international class.
The Force on the other hand, who have only a few Wallabies in their list, have managed to swoop in to keep White in Australian rugby.
Wallabies star Nic White has signed with the Western Force. (Photo by Getty Images)
His decision to stay is a huge boost not only for the Force but the Wallabies.
One of a few recognisable players, White is the favourite to wear the No.9 jersey at his second straight World Cup.
He came close to featuring at the 2015 tournament, but Michael Cheika chose just two halfbacks for the tournament.
But White’s class was on display for all to see, with the halfback scoring the match-winning try in Bledisloe opener in 2015, which also sealed their most recent Rugby Championship title.
His ability to snipe, competitiveness and excellent kicking game has him firmly in Eddie Jones’ plans in 2023.
“Nic is a world class nine and it’s positive to have him re-sign with Australian rugby,” Jones said.
Eddie Jones shakes hands with Nic White ahead of England’s series in Australia in July, 2022. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
White, who won titles with Montpellier and Exeter before returning to the Brumbies in 2020, said he was thrilled to be staying in Australian rugby but expressed sadness to be leaving the club where it all started.
“I started my career here in 2008 and now 15 years later, with a few years overseas, it is sadly time to say goodbye,” he said.
“I will forever be grateful to the Brumbies for giving me my first opportunity in professional rugby. The years spent here have shaped me into a better rugby player, and more importantly, a better man.
“Canberra has long been my home away from home. I will leave with many happy memories and lifelong friendship but the season is not done yet and there’s still plenty to play for so my focus is to give my best for the Brumbies and go out on a high.
“This is an awesome opportunity for myself and my family. I am thrilled to stay in Australian Rugby and play for the Force next season,” he added.
“I am really looking forward to coming over and being a part of the hard working environment Simon [Cron] has created. The club is moving in the right direction, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“What I feel like I can bring to the Force is my experience. I’ve been to three clubs now, Montpellier, Exeter and Brumbies and have tasted success at all three, so I feel like I have a fairly good understanding of what success looks like and how much hard work goes into building a successful club and culture.
“I have had conversations with Simon about building a winning environment. As a team, you show what you can do on match day, but it all comes down to the process. It’s all about how hard you work in pre-season and Monday-Friday. This is an area I have a lot of knowledge to pass on and its importance.”
Cron said White’s leadership would be vital in the Force’s plans to become a domestic juggernaut.
“Nic is a great addition to the team,” the first-year Super Rugby head coach said.
“When we look at our team and the key jigsaw pieces for us to be successful, we look at recruitment and retention and what the player makeup looks like. Nic adds an enormous amount of experience.
“He is a winner, he is a brilliant leader and game manager. One of the things that excited me about Nic is that he fights until the last minute.
“One of the biggest areas we can grow in is our leadership groups. We have a number of emerging leaders here and the key thing for us is to give them role models to learn from, Nic will be one of these.
“When the management here signed, we all agreed that we must grow the game here in Western Australia. We need to do as much as possible to help the next stage of players, coaches, and referees. Plenty of kids out there want to be the next Nic White, and the best way to foster this is to meet him and see him in action.”
Nic White has spent a decade playing for the Brumbies in-between stints in France and England. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The Brumbies had hoped to keep White but from an early stage knew they faced a financial battle to retain his services.
Ultimately the Brumbies decided they could survive the setback from White’s departure, knowing they had Lonergan, who is highly rated by the Wallabies despite being uncapped, emerging and wanting more game time. Waratahs halfback Harrison Goddard also continues to be linked to joining the Brumbies.
Brumbies back-rower Pete Samu will also head to France at season’s end. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Ditto Samu, 31, whose departure to Bordeaux in the French Top 14 has long been known.
Nonetheless, Wallabies great and Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said he was disappointed to be losing the Test duo.
“We’re disappointed to see Pete and Nic go at the end of the season, but we understand in professional sport, players and people have to make a difficult decision for themselves and their families,” he said.
“The club made every effort to retain both players past this year, but the reality is there are factors outside of our control as well as the competitive marketplace for players of their calibre that come into play.
“Both Nic and Pete have been and will be integral members of our group and we will celebrate their significant contribution to the Brumbies at the right moment but our focus now is on Sunday against the Highlanders.”
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.