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The unfortunate circumstances that could prevent Nic White from representing the Wallabies this year

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Wallabies halfback Nic White’s patience will be tested as he awaits his Australian rugby return.

White has confirmed his departure from English club Exeter after three seasons, having already signed a deal last year to return to Australian rugby and enable his availability for 2019 Tests and the World Cup.

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The 30-year-old will return for a second stint at the Brumbies, who will begin their Super Rugby AU campaign against the Melbourne Rebels on July 4.

White could struggle to feature at all this season, though, with the recent birth of his child keeping him in England for up to eight weeks before he endures a two-week coronavirus quarantine period on his return to Australia.

Video Spacer

Neil Back and Matt Giteau share their memories of the 2003 Rugby World Cup final in Sydney.

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Neil Back and Matt Giteau share their memories of the 2003 Rugby World Cup final in Sydney.

Even then he will be contending with Joe Powell, Ryan Lonergan and Issak Fines for time in the No.9 jersey, a scenario complicated by the fact no Super Rugby-contracted player is able to play club rugby because of the coronavirus health restrictions.

That could leave the 26-cap international filling the role of training partner ahead of Wallabies Tests touted for later this year.

White, who moved from Canberra to French club Montpellier in 2015 and on to Exeter two years later, posted a heartfelt thanks for “three amazing years” with the Chiefs, who are leading the Premiership ahead of its August restart.

“I am proud to be an Exeter Chief and it’s something I will always cherish,” he said.

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“While I am disappointed I can’t finish the way I wanted, I am confident the boys will finish what we started.”

– Murray Wenzel

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M
MA 2 hours ago
How the four-team format will help the Wallabies defeat the Lions

In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..

If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.


My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.


ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.


Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.


Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.


It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.


So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.


After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.


Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.


Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.

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