Wallabies veteran Nic White announces retirement from Test rugby

A long-time Wallaby has announced that he will walk away from Test rugby after Australia’s battle with the British and Irish Lions on Saturday night.

Veteran Wallabies halfback Nic White says it’s the “right time” for him to retire from Test rugby.

White, 35, has announced that Australia’s clash with the British and Irish Lions on Saturday night in Sydney, where he will start, will be his final Test.

“There’s been great competition for the nine (halfback) jersey here in the Wallabies for a number of years, and it feels like the right time to pass on the baton with some more good young players coming through who will need time in the saddle leading into what’s going to be an unbelievable experience of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027,” White said.

“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.

“Rugby has given me so much to be grateful for. I’ve made some incredible memories, some lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to see the world.”

Nic White is calling time on his Test career. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

White came off the bench in Australia’s 21-18 win over Fiji in Newcastle on July 6 but was not part of the Wallabies’ 23-man squad for the opening two Tests of the series against Lions, with Jake Gordon the starting half in both of the home side’s losses and Tate McDermott being the back-up option among the reserves.

McDermott has again been named on the bench for Saturday night’s clash, with Gordon missing out on the squad entirely.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt denied White’s selection had been based on sentiment.

“It’s a Test match and you pick people who are capable of playing that Test match and we believe that Nic is,” Schmidt said.

“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.

“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.”

In another backline change, winger Dylan Pietsch has replaced Harry Potter, who injured his hamstring in the Wallabies’ 29-26 loss to the Lions at the MCG last Saturday.

In the forwards, prop Taniela Tupou and flanker Tom Hooper will start at the expense of injured pair Allan Alaalatoa (shoulder) and Rob Valetini (calf) respectively.

There have also been changes to the bench, with prop Zane Nonggorr and versatile back Andrew Kellaway replacing Tom Robertson and Carlo Tizzano.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said White was the ultimate competitor. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Schmidt said his squad had “started to gather momentum” after Australia’s last-gasp defeat in Melbourne, where the Lions took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

“The squad was certainly deflated after the gut-wrenching end to last week’s Test in Melbourne, but … will be ready to go again on Saturday,” Schmidt said.

White, who will retire from all rugby at the end of the year, will continue to train with Western Force ahead of the Super Rugby AUS competition starting in September.

“I’ll keep working hard with the Western Force, who have been an incredible support for me and my family since we moved west nearly two years ago,” the former ACT Brumbies star said.

“Hanging up the boots for good at the end of the year will also allow me to spend more time with my wife Mel and three boys Leo, Sonny and Vinnie, which is something I’m massively looking forward to.”

Wallabies team to play Lions at Accor Stadium on Saturday at 7:45pm (AEST):

1. James Slipper (146 Tests)

2. David Porecki (21 Tests)

3. Taniela Tupou (58 Tests)

4. Nick Frost (28 Tests)

5. Will Skelton (33 Tests)

6. Tom Hooper (12 Tests)

7. Fraser McReight (28 Tests)

8. Harry Wilson (c) (25 Tests)

9. Nic White (72 Tests)

10. Tom Lynagh (5 Tests)

11. Dylan Pietsch (5 Tests)

12. Len Ikitau (42 Tests)

13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (7 Tests)

14. Max Jorgensen (10 Tests)

15. Tom Wright (40 Tests)

Bench:

16. Billy Pollard (9 Tests)

17. Angus Bell (39 Tests)

18. Zane Nonggorr (11 Tests)

19. Jeremy Williams (13 Tests)

20. Langi Gleeson (16 Tests)

21. Tate McDermott (44 Tests)

22. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests)

23. Andrew Kellaway (40 Tests)

Originally published as Wallabies veteran Nic White announces retirement from Test rugby