Scrum half Nic White confirms Wallabies retirement for a second time

Injuries to first-choice halfback Jake Gordon prompted a SOS call from Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt, and White duly answered, starting four consecutive matches against South Africa and Argentina. Now, with Gordon back fit, White has confirmed his second retirement and closes the curtain on a Test career that spanned more than a decade and produced 77 Test caps.

He broke the news in his own trademark style, posting 18 images on social media with the simple caption:

“F** I’m gonna miss it.”

One of those images showed his most recent Wallabies jersey, with “Test 77 & out!” scrawled across the number.

The reaction from Wallaby teammates was immediate. Veteran fly half James O’Connor commented:

“One more time, one more time. Been an absolute pleasure.”

Andrew Kellaway joked: “77* (potential unretirement) – great innings.”

Tom Wright added: “Give us one more!!”

White departs as Australia’s third-most capped scrum-half, behind Will Genia (110), who also retired earlier this year, and George Gregan (139), who last played in 2007.

White became Wallaby #875 on debut against the All Blacks in Sydney in 2013. He went on to feature in two Rugby World Cups (2019 and 2023), though he controversially missed out on selection for the 2015 tournament.

At club level, his career took him from the Brumbies and Western Force in Super Rugby to stints with Montpellier in France’s Top 14 and Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. Looking back on his journey, White reflected on his lifelong dream of wearing the gold jersey. Prior to the third Lions Test in August, he 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.

“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.

“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.”

Across 12 years in Wallaby gold, White built a reputation as one of rugby’s most competitive and fiery halfbacks. His game management and tenacity made him a mainstay across multiple coaching eras, and his absence will be felt as Australia look ahead to the final Bledisloe Cup Tests and the road toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.