Wallaby Nic White wins over rugby with ‘brilliant’ act of sportsmanship

A veteran Wallabies and Brumbies star has been praised for his post-match act for a rival player, which has won over the rugby world.

Nic White gave his opposite number a post-match training session. Photo: Stan Sport

Wallabies veteran Nic White has been praised for a lovely act of sportsmanship after his Brumbies beat the Fijian Drua 43-28 on Friday night.

But instead of rushing off to celebrate, the Brumbies halfback took the time to spend a few minutes chatting to opposite number Peni Matawalu and give his rival some pointers on the game.

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The 25-year-old Matawalu is looking to break into the Fijian national squad with the World Cup later this year, a selection that would put him up against the Wallabies in the group stages.

Matawalu previously played for the Fijian under-20s side and played for the Drua thoughtout in its National Rugby Championship days as well as when the franchise was added to Super Rugby in 2022.

White on the other hand has played 106 matches in the various Super Rugby incarnations since 2011 as well as stints for Montpellier in the French top league and Exeter in the English premiership.

The 32-year-old has also represented Australia on 57 occasions and is seen as one of the premier halfbacks in world rugby.

Social media erupted with praise for the act.

Brilliant from Nic White. @BrumbiesRugby@StanSportRugbyhttps://t.co/VF02El5uif

— Michael Atkinson (@kinson88) April 14, 2023

OK Nic White, respect 👏👏 https://t.co/ZGi4oBaY1r

— King Pete (@pettypete2) April 14, 2023

Nic White and Faz are the most misunderstood players in rugby 🤝 https://t.co/brudC04j1B

— Sikelela Zelanga (@sikzel) April 14, 2023

.@SuperRugby This is a post that ought to be shared far and wide. Not just because it has shown the cultural aspects of rugby union and the humanity of @BrumbiesRugby. Kudos #NicWhite 🫸🫷🏽@wallabies@fijirugby#BRUvDRU 🏉🌴👍 https://t.co/xt0CgedsgQ

— 🇦🇺 Mark Hindle ED 🇺🇦 (@MendotaMarkH) April 15, 2023

Fijian great and Waratahs back Nemani Nadolo took to Twitter to praise White.

“This is why I have so much respect for this man. Always taking time to help out the younger guys. I’m sure Peni will take it all in,” he wrote.

Fijian national coach Simon Raiwalui also heaped praise on White, writing: “Nic is an absolute legend…for someone of his stature in the game to take the time and give feedback to one of our up & coming halfbacks, priceless.

“Game needs more of this, information is power…what you chose to do with it, is then up to you!”

The win sees the Brumbies stay in second place on the Super Rugby ladder after eight matches behind only the Chiefs.

But the Drua have already improved on its two wins from its first season, currently eighth on the ladder with three wins and four losses.