(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Nic White Returns to Wallabies Squad for Rugby Championship Tour of South Africa
Veteran scrumhalf Nic White has postponed his international retirement to rejoin the Australian national rugby team for the upcoming Rugby Championship tour of South Africa. The 35-year-old made the decision following an injury to regular number nine, Jake Gordon.
White had earlier stated that the third British & Irish Lions Test in Sydney would be his final match in the green and gold. However, in a surprising move, he was named in head coach Joe Schmidt’s 35-man squad announced on Thursday.
“Whitey’s putting his hand up to help the group again due to Gordon’s injury, just a week after announcing his plans to retire,” Rugby Australia confirmed in a statement.
🏉 New Faces and Notable Changes
Joining White is uncapped scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan, set to compete in the tests against reigning world champions South Africa — first in Johannesburg next week and then in Cape Town on August 23.
Flyhalf Tom Lynagh will miss the tour after failing a head injury assessment following a high tackle by Lions hooker Dan Sheehan during Australia’s 22-12 win in Sydney. One-test playmaker Tane Edmed has been called up as his replacement, alongside Ben Donaldson and James O’Connor in the flyhalf department.
Coach Schmidt has added uncapped winger Corey Toole and prop Aidan Ross to bolster the squad’s depth. Hooker Matt Faessler and experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa are sidelined with injuries, while Taniela Tupou retains his spot after an impressive return in the Lions test.
Three fresh faces from Queensland — Josh Flook (centre), Josh Nasser (hooker), and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (lock) — are also included, highlighting Schmidt’s focus on youth and depth.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, a late addition for the Sydney test, remains in the squad, while Dave Porecki, who missed the previous match due to injury, has officially retired from professional rugby.
🟢 Full Wallabies Squad for South Africa Tour
Forwards:
Angus Bell, Nick Champion De Crespigny, Billy Pollard, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Carlo Tizzano, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, James Slipper, Jeremy Williams, Josh Nasser, Langi Gleeson, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Taniela Tupou, Tom Hooper, Tom Robertson, Will Skelton, Zane Nonggorr, Aidan Ross
Backs:
Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Ryan Lonergan, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Corey Toole, Nic White, Tom Wright
🏆 Looking Ahead
With an exciting mix of experience and youth, the Wallabies are gearing up for a challenging South African tour. All eyes will be on Nic White’s return and how the team adapts under Joe Schmidt’s leadership as the Rugby Championship heats up.
