The retention of Nic White in Australian rugby through to the next British and Irish Lions tour is set to be followed by another key veteran re-signing through to 2025, plus the prized signature of bright young Wallabies star Langi Gleeson.
Despite overseas offers, the lure of a home Lions tour in 2025 led White to extend his Rugby Australia deal. The 32-year-old will move to the Western Force next year, ending an association with the Brumbies that started in 2008 when the halfback was signed out of school.
In more good news for Australian rugby, the Brumbies are close to finalising a two-year extension for James Slipper. The 33-year-old prop, who finished last year as Wallabies captain, will bolster Australia’s front-row stocks.
Brumbies sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Slipper was edging closer to a contract extension that would take him through to the end of 2025.
Finer details of the contract are still being worked through but both parties are confident of locking down the incumbent Wallabies skipper for another couple of seasons.
In an interview during last year’s spring tour, Slipper said he felt he could play through to 2025.
James Slipper stepped up to replace Michael Hooper as Wallabies captain last year.Credit: Getty Images
“I reckon I’ve got the petrol in the tank for the Lions series,” Slipper said. “I definitely do not have the petrol for the 2027 World Cup.
“I feel pretty good and I’m playing a lot of rugby. You have your tough days. I’m a little bit sorer after games nowadays.”
Further north, the good news is set to continue, with Gleeson poised to sign a two-year deal with the Waratahs and RA.
Rising star Langi Gleeson.Credit: Getty Images
Gleeson, 21, made his Waratahs debut only last year but worked his way to a starting spot at No.8 for the Wallabies on the recent spring tour. He has been in dominant form for NSW again this year.
“When we name our team, the chests puff out on the other players [when Gleeson is named],” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said after his side’s win over the Reds on the weekend. “It’s been a while since NSW has had a big, strong No.8 that takes the team forward. He did that for us again [against the Reds].”
Meanwhile, White played a straight bat when asked if he would have been happy to stay at the Brumbies if they had offered the same money as the Force. Both offers involved top-ups from RA but the Force’s package was more appealing.
“It’s all crystal ball [stuff],” said White, who left the Brumbies in 2015 to play overseas before returning in 2020. “I can’t tell what could have been and what might have been. I’m thankful to the Brumbies.
“Without going into too many details, the Brumbies were really, really good throughout the length of the process. They’ve been really patient. They did table me an offer and I just felt it was my time. I’m at ease with the decision. I think I can rip the Band-Aid off this one for now.”
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and halfback Nic White.Credit: Getty
Despite playing a key role in the Brumbies’ success this season – Stephen Larkham’s side are second on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with four games before the finals – White believes his contract situation has affected his rugby.
“It’s been a massive decision, one that’s probably weighed on me more than I would have thought,” he said.
“It is tough and I’ve said to a few people that it probably affected me more than I would have liked. Having it linger over my head for quite some time, I probably feel like it has affected my footy a little bit.
“I’ve made no secret that I want to stick around Australian rugby. I’ve got a lot to offer. It just didn’t feel like my time to go overseas. It’s been a rough couple of weeks and months coming to terms with it.
“I spoke to him [Eddie Jones] a little bit. He’s happy I’m sticking around. I said I felt like I had plenty to offer. He agreed.”
Meanwhile, the Rebels’ hopes of taking down the Waratahs again in a crucial clash in Sydney on Saturday – and playing finals – have been damaged by a three-match ban for back-rower Josh Kemeny.
Kemeny was cited by SANZAAR for a late, high tackle on Len Ikitau in Melbourne’s loss to the Brumbies on Sunday.
NSW say defence will be the key to shutting down an expansive game plan that’s made Melbourne highly competitive this year. The Rebels beat the Waratahs 34-27 in round three.
“That first game we had against them, that was one of the poorer defensive efforts we have had in the last couple of years,” NSW defence coach Jason Gilmore said. “We were pretty disappointed. They attacked well, don’t get me wrong, but we were pretty off our game that night. We were really poor.
“Playing the Kiwi sides … I think we’re battle-hardened and ready now for what gets thrown at us. If you give [the Rebels] quick ball, they love to use the football, so they’re a dangerous side.”
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