Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White has left the door ajar for a fairytale appearance at the 2027 World Cup, but first he wants to help the Western Force become a powerhouse.
There are big expectations on White this Super Rugby Pacific season after he joined Wallabies five-eighth Ben Donaldson in signing with the Force.
White could have easily opted for a bigger contract overseas, but he has unfinished business in Australia.
The 33-year-old left the Brumbies at the end of last season in order to join the Simon Cron-led Force on a two-year deal and his leadership has already been rewarded with the vice-captaincy.
White still harbours dreams of playing for the Wallabies for years to come and has the ambitious carrot of the 2027 home World Cup to aim for.
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Scrumhalf Danny Care was 36 when he represented England at last year’s World Cup in France.
White will be 37 by the time of the next World Cup, but he’s taking a “never say never” approach to it.
“Danny Care went to the World Cup at 36, 37, which is what I’ll be in 2027,” White told AAP.
Nic White of the Wallabies passes during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and South Africa Springboks at Allianz Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
“So it’s certainly been done before. If I’m still playing good footy, why not?
“But I’m also a bit of a realist and know that it would be pretty hard going.
“I certainly hope to still be playing footy (by 2027), but whether that’s at the World Cup – that’s crystal ball stuff.”
For White, age is only a number.
“I look at a guy like Adam Reynolds at the Broncos who is getting better and better (and is now 33),” White said.
“I’m certainly young at heart. My wife would say she’s got four boys, not three.
“I think the biggest thing is I enjoy my rugby. I love competing, I love playing. It’s something I’d love to keep doing.
“I’m in a position that’s less taxing on the body as some of the other ones inside and outside me.”
White is loving his time in Perth and will consider staying there with his young family once his rugby career finishes.
Nic White of the Wallabies looks on during the Australia captain’s run ahead of their Rugby World Cup France 2023 match against Portugal at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 30, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I’ve been overseas before, done five years, so I didn’t feel like it was the right time to go over again,” said White, who spent time at Exeter and Montpellier between 2015-2020.
“Now’s my time to give back to Australian rugby both on and off the field, and Perth was the best place for me to do that.
“I’ve seen what Cronno is doing here with a young squad. I feel like it will be a place where I’ll be best served to pass on my knowledge and experience.”
The Force’s season begins at home on Friday night against the Hurricanes.
piru
Roar Rookie
The old saying is "if you're good enough, you're old enough". It should also work in reverse "if you're still good enough, you're young enough". Glad he's enjoying Perth, why wouldn't you?
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
It takes 21 days to break a habit and then 2weeks to replace it with a better one. So White has NO CHANCE! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
good. maybe he will give it a rest for a while
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Age, whether young or old, should have no place in the equation. FORM should be the only criteria. Tate's passing is sub Test standard and his running game ( along with Whites), has deteriorated. Lonergan will figure strongly in Wallabies this year and should relegate Tate down the list. I strongly doubt White will be anywhere near Wallaby selection, come 2027, but never say never.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
That age puts a lot of strain on that box kicking hammie. :laughing:
MO
Roar Rookie
Fines is good. Good enough to be in mix. I don’t think Tate is a better runner
Cec
Roar Rookie
Don I think you’ll find “off the deck” has been a particular work on for Tate since very early in his pro career. Mention of this started when he was in AUS 7s.
Cec
Roar Rookie
ECA Genia wrote an article here on who the best 9 was last season and he picked Lonergan with a complete skill set. New coach new possibilities. We’ll find out head to head in round 6 I believe. RWC27 is so far away who know what the lay of the land will be by then so anything is possible if Nick keeps fit and has form.
SB
Roar Rookie
I was in Brisbane when the Wallabies were in front. The clock was just about up. and White box kicked. The All Blacks scored after the box kick. Can’t remember the year. It was a poor decision. I lost faith in White then and there. We have some good 9,s coming thru . Lonegan will be free to grow at Brumbies now. Sorry, you are next to zero chance to make 2027. Help bring the young ones thru.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
That is the attitude expected from a senior player. He has the opportunity to leave a legacy. I hope he will accelerate and not impede the development of the next generation of nines.
Adam
Roar Guru
I agree that his passing isn't up to scratch. My thoughts are more around whether giving such quick service can be a blessing and a curse.
Don
Roar Rookie
Perhaps I’m being tough on him. I would love a half who can fire a bullet past 10 direct to 12.
Dualcode
Roar Rookie
Of course, Nick "the tasche" White wants to win the whole toast rack itself on home soil in 2027.
Adam
Roar Guru
I actually think Tate's greatest strength can be his greatest weakness if used at the wrong time. ie his passing looks worse than it is at times because he clears the ball too quickly. No point firing off a pass to someone not watching/not there
Don
Roar Rookie
His pass off the deck gets a bit loopy. Aaron Smith is the gold standard. It'd be great to see Tate work harder on that part of his game.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
And of course Perth is a good place to bring up kids! Most of the married guys who come over quite enjoy their time.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Yeah good point, Lonergan defs should be there in our top 2 or 3 halves. I dont think Tate's pass is as bad as some say. I think people see his great running game and hold his passing to a higher standard level. Tate also tries to clear the ball much faster than other halfbacks. That benefits the team more than a halfback waiting for the ball to be on silver platter and a receiver in the perfect position just for his pass.
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
By all means, White should play on for as long as he likes and wherever he can pick up a game, it just needs to not be at the Wallabies , it'll not be to their benefit.
Don
Roar Rookie
I like Lonergan at the Brumbies. He has a huge chance this season to leapfrog both Tate and White. Tate really needs to improve his passing off the deck.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
I've never warmed to White. There were times I think he was being picked over Genia when he wasn't better. However, I love this attitude. I don't understand why anyone would give up the life of a pro athlete. Particularly if your a back who can avoid a lot of the contact in training and/or games. I think we will need someone pushing Tate at 9 and as backup as I don't think the other 9s going round are anywhere near as good as these two.