Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White has left the door ajar for a fairytale appearance at the 2027 World Cup, but first he wants to help the Western Force become a powerhouse.
There are big expectations on White this Super Rugby Pacific season after he joined Wallabies five-eighth Ben Donaldson in signing with the Force.
White could have easily opted for a bigger contract overseas, but he has unfinished business in Australia.
The 33-year-old left the Brumbies at the end of last season in order to join the Simon Cron-led Force on a two-year deal and his leadership has already been rewarded with the vice-captaincy.
White still harbours dreams of playing for the Wallabies for years to come and has the ambitious carrot of the 2027 home World Cup to aim for.
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Scrumhalf Danny Care was 36 when he represented England at last year’s World Cup in France.
White will be 37 by the time of the next World Cup, but he’s taking a “never say never” approach to it.
“Danny Care went to the World Cup at 36, 37, which is what I’ll be in 2027,” White told AAP.
Nic White of the Wallabies passes during The Rugby Championship match between the Australia Wallabies and South Africa Springboks at Allianz Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
“So it’s certainly been done before. If I’m still playing good footy, why not?
“But I’m also a bit of a realist and know that it would be pretty hard going.
“I certainly hope to still be playing footy (by 2027), but whether that’s at the World Cup – that’s crystal ball stuff.”
For White, age is only a number.
“I look at a guy like Adam Reynolds at the Broncos who is getting better and better (and is now 33),” White said.
“I’m certainly young at heart. My wife would say she’s got four boys, not three.
“I think the biggest thing is I enjoy my rugby. I love competing, I love playing. It’s something I’d love to keep doing.
“I’m in a position that’s less taxing on the body as some of the other ones inside and outside me.”
White is loving his time in Perth and will consider staying there with his young family once his rugby career finishes.
Nic White of the Wallabies looks on during the Australia captain’s run ahead of their Rugby World Cup France 2023 match against Portugal at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 30, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“I’ve been overseas before, done five years, so I didn’t feel like it was the right time to go over again,” said White, who spent time at Exeter and Montpellier between 2015-2020.
“Now’s my time to give back to Australian rugby both on and off the field, and Perth was the best place for me to do that.
“I’ve seen what Cronno is doing here with a young squad. I feel like it will be a place where I’ll be best served to pass on my knowledge and experience.”
The Force’s season begins at home on Friday night against the Hurricanes.