Wallabies veteran Nic White makes big career call ahead of Lions finale

Wallabies scrum-half Nic White will hang up the boots from the international game after this weekend’s final Test against the British & Irish Lions, before retiring completely from all professional rugby at the end of 2025.

White captained the Western Force in their historic clash with the Lions in Perth last month, scoring a try early in the first half as well. That marked another milestone in the 35-year-old’s esteemed professional sporting career which started in 2011 with the Brumbies.

After earning selection for Australia’s 2009 and 2010 squads for the World U20 Championships, White moved to the Brumbies Academy, debuting two years later. White debuted for the Brumbies in 2011 but injuries plagued the halfback’s career early on.

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White played a key role in the Brumbies’ run to the Super Rugby final in 2013 before disaster struck, with a shoulder injury ruling him out of the Lions Series – including the club’s unforgettable upset win over the tourists in Canberra.

Higher honours with the Wallabies weren’t too far off, though, with White debuting for the Test side in 2013. White has now represented Australia on 72 occasions ahead of the Lions Series finale, with the team for that Test set to be announced on Thursday afternoon.

“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 said in a statement.

“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.

“There’s been great competition for the nine 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.

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“In the meantime, 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.

“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.

“There’s plenty of others who I owe a drink to for their support during my career, and I look forward to repaying that tab at the Maitland Blacks clubhouse, Assembly in Canberra or the Brisbane Hotel after a Force game in Perth.”

White has been a reliable member of Australia’s rugby ranks for more than a decade, including stints with the Brumbies and Force. Since making the move out west, the 35-year-old has played 24 matches for the club, including that clash with the Lions.

In total, White has played 135 Super Rugby matches. While the Wallaby is set to retire from Test rugby after the Lions Series, White won’t hang up the boots just yet – set to link up with the Force for Super Rugby AUS first.

“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,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt added.

“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.”