Nic White, the seasoned Wallabies scrum-half, is set to retire from international rugby after his final match against the British and Irish Lions this Saturday at Accor Stadium in Sydney. This game will mark his 73rd cap for Australia in a career that has seen him evolve from a promising junior player to a pivotal figure on the global stage. The 35-year-old has also declared his intention to retire from all forms of professional rugby at the conclusion of 2025.
White's rugby odyssey kicked off in his hometown of Scone, progressing through the ranks from a young age. Despite an injury setback that excluded him from the 2008 Australia Schoolboys, he bounced back to participate in the Junior World Championship for two consecutive years. White's professional debut came in 2011 with the Brumbies, after joining their academy two years prior. His tenure at Brumbies was marked by a mix of triumphs and challenges, notably leading them to the 2013 Super Rugby final.
After moving to Europe in 2015, White clinched the Challenge Cup with Montpellier and later joined Exeter Chiefs, further honing his skills in the northern hemisphere before returning to Australia. His international highlight reel includes a winning try against the All Blacks in 2015 that clinched the Rugby Championship for Australia. White's recent seasons saw him bring veteran savvy to the Western Force, where he continued to influence the Super Rugby Pacific landscape.
"Pulling on the gold jersey was a dream of mine when I was a young boy in Scone and to say I’ve done it 72 times, with one last crack on Saturday night, is something I’m incredibly proud of and a privilege I’ve never taken for granted,"
White expressed his readiness to pass the torch, citing the emergence of talented youngsters and the approaching 2027 Rugby World Cup as the perfect time for transition. Off the field, White looks forward to more family time with his wife and three sons.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt lauded White's contributions, both on and off the field. "First and foremost, Nic is a great man to have in a squad. He’s team first all the time and has been at the top of the game for over a decade. Having coached against Whitey, and now worked with him in the Wallabies environment, he’s the ultimate competitor," Schmidt remarked.
"I know how much pulling on the gold jersey means to him and on behalf of the current group we wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter."
As White's storied career draws to a close, his legacy is marked not only by his achievements and accolades but also by the respect he commands among teammates, coaches, and fans alike. The rugby community will watch keenly as he takes to the field one last time, capping off a remarkable journey in the sport.
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Nic White, the seasoned Wallabies scrum-half, is set to retire from international rugby after his final match against the British and Irish Lions this Saturday at Accor Stadium in Sydney. This game will mark his 73rd cap for Australia in a career that has seen him evolve from a promising junior player to a pivotal figure on the global stage. The 35-year-old has also declared his intention to retire from all forms of professional rugby at the conclusion of 2025.
White's rugby odyssey kicked off in his hometown of Scone, progressing through the ranks from a young age. Despite an injury setback that excluded him from the 2008 Australia Schoolboys, he bounced back to participate in the Junior World Championship for two consecutive years. White's professional debut came in 2011 with the Brumbies, after joining their academy two years prior. His tenure at Brumbies was marked by a mix of triumphs and challenges, notably leading them to the 2013 Super Rugby final.
After moving to Europe in 2015, White clinched the Challenge Cup with Montpellier and later joined Exeter Chiefs, further honing his skills in the northern hemisphere before returning to Australia. His international highlight reel includes a winning try against the All Blacks in 2015 that clinched the Rugby Championship for Australia. White's recent seasons saw him bring veteran savvy to the Western Force, where he continued to influence the Super Rugby Pacific landscape.
"Pulling on the gold jersey was a dream of mine when I was a young boy in Scone and to say I’ve done it 72 times, with one last crack on Saturday night, is something I’m incredibly proud of and a privilege I’ve never taken for granted,"
White expressed his readiness to pass the torch, citing the emergence of talented youngsters and the approaching 2027 Rugby World Cup as the perfect time for transition. Off the field, White looks forward to more family time with his wife and three sons.
Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt lauded White's contributions, both on and off the field. "First and foremost, Nic is a great man to have in a squad. He’s team first all the time and has been at the top of the game for over a decade. Having coached against Whitey, and now worked with him in the Wallabies environment, he’s the ultimate competitor," Schmidt remarked.
"I know how much pulling on the gold jersey means to him and on behalf of the current group we wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter."
As White's storied career draws to a close, his legacy is marked not only by his achievements and accolades but also by the respect he commands among teammates, coaches, and fans alike. The rugby community will watch keenly as he takes to the field one last time, capping off a remarkable journey in the sport.