Why did Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White put his retirement on hold?

In a desperate measure, Nic White has put his international retirement plans on hold to rejoin the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship tour of South Africa. The 35-year-old veteran scrumhalf, who had previously declared that the final British & Irish Lions Test in Sydney would mark his international swan song, was recalled following an injury to regular No. 9 Jake Gordon.

Rugby Australia praised White’s decision to step in and support the squad, just a week after announcing his retirement.

White, with 73 Tests to his name, will be joined by uncapped Ryan Lonergan in the scrumhalf role for the Tests against world champions South Africa - first in Johannesburg and then Cape Town on August 23.



In another key change, flyhalf Tom Lynagh has been ruled out of the tour after failing a head injury assessment following a high shot from Lions hooker Dan Sheehan. He is replaced by one-Test playmaker Tane Edmed, who has endured a challenging year.

Edmed’s debut against Ireland in November was cut short by a concussion just three minutes in. His difficult Super Rugby season with the Waratahs saw him slide down the pecking order, but he’s set for a fresh start with the ACT Brumbies in 2026.


Also joining the squad are uncapped players Aidan Ross, Corey Toole, and the Queensland trio - Josh Flook, Josh Nasser, and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - as Schmidt reshapes the squad amid injuries.

Squad:

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