The wildcard who Eddie Jones might bestow Wallabies captaincy
Might Wallabies coach Eddie Jones be tempted to pull a surprise selection ahead of this year's Rugby World Cup?
That's the tip from former Australian international Tim Horan who reckons Nic White stands a good chance of getting the nod.
The Brumbies scrum-half made his debut for Australia in 2013 after just one season of Super Rugby competition.
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White moved to France in 2016 where he played for Montpellier in the Top 14 competition and then joined Premiership Rugby outfit the Exeter Chiefs in 2017.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones talks with Nic White during a training camp in April. Chris Hyde via Getty Images
His return to Australia finally came in 2020, marking his second stint with the Brumbies.
Since then, White has been a staple in the Wallabies squad and is a genuine contender for the captaincy just a few months out from the World Cup in France.
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The return of supreme ruler Jones to the Wallabies fold nearly two decades on from his departure brings with it a clean slate.
Little has been said of James Slipper, who took the reins from Michael Hooper as captain after his mental health-focused retreat.
Michael Hooper (left) and James Slipper of the Wallabies sing the national anthem. Anthony Au-Yeung via Getty Images.
White is one of a handful of players from the Rennie era who is almost guaranteed to be part of the starting squad under Jones.
"He's such a leader, Nic White, isn't he? He talks so much on the field," said Stan Sport's Horan.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Nic White is in the conversation maybe about captaining the Wallabies later this year. He's got so much leadership."
Nic White of the Brumbies passes the ball during the round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match against the Melbourne Rebels. Daniel Pockett via Getty Images
That's a message echoed by another former Wallabies player, Stephen Hoiles.
"That's an interesting point about Nic White. He's in the Wallabies leadership group and no one knows who (the captain) is going to be," Hoiles explained.
"The big thing is, he's probably one of the few guys thinking he's going to be one of the starting players, so you can't be captain if you're not starting in the side.
"White has been exceptional for the Brumbies and I know they wouldn't swap him for anyone this time of year. They've got a great back-up in (Ryan) Lonergan as well."
In any case, it looks like White's tenure at the Brumbies could be coming to an end.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports he and James O'Connor are being courted to join the Western Force in 2024 under head coach Simon Cron.
A statement issued by the Force said, "Discussions with Nic White are still progressing", but that nothing had been confirmed.
"White is a player the Western Force would be interested in bolstering international experience and on-field leadership within the Western Force squad," the statement read.
Nic White kicks the ball in Australia's Spring Tour Test against Ireland. PA Images via Getty Images
Horan said a club change for White could trigger a slew of shifts across the Australian-based Super Rugby Pacific teams.
"I don't think the Brumbies will let him go," said Horan.
"I think it'll probably be Nick White's decision as well as the Brumbies.
"The Brumbies do a really good job, they release players a year or two early rather than a year or two late.
"I think for someone like Nic White, if he does go to the Western Force, I reckon it'll be a house of cards which will end up probably getting Harrison Goddard to move from the Waratahs then to the Brumbies.
"You've got Teddy Wilson who's in the Waratahs, he might think 'OK, I might move to the Rebels' or somewhere else. So it could change things around if Nic White decides to go west."
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