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Danny Care the blueprint as Wallaby Nic White eyes 2027 World Cup appearance

By AAP
(Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White has left the door ajar for a fairytale appearance at the 2027 World Cup, but first he wants to help the Western Force become a powerhouse.

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There are big expectations on White this Super Rugby Pacific season after he joined Wallabies five-eighth Ben Donaldson in signing with the Force.

White could have easily opted for a bigger contract overseas, but he has unfinished business in Australia.

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The 33-year-old left the Brumbies at the end of last season in order to join the Simon Cron-led Force on a two-year deal and his leadership has already been rewarded with the vice-captaincy.

White still harbours dreams of playing for the Wallabies for years to come and has the ambitious carrot of the 2027 home World Cup to aim for.

Scrumhalf Danny Care was 36 when he represented England at last year’s World Cup in France.

White will be 37 by the time of the next World Cup, but he’s taking a “never say never” approach to it.

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“Danny Care went to the World Cup at 36, 37, which is what I’ll be in 2027,” White told AAP.

“So it’s certainly been done before. If I’m still playing good footy, why not?

“But I’m also a bit of a realist and know that it would be pretty hard going.

“I certainly hope to still be playing footy (by 2027), but whether that’s at the World Cup – that’s crystal ball stuff.”

For White, age is only a number.

“I look at a guy like Adam Reynolds at the Broncos who is getting better and better (and is now 33),” White said.

“I’m certainly young at heart. My wife would say she’s got four boys, not three.

“I think the biggest thing is I enjoy my rugby. I love competing, I love playing. It’s something I’d love to keep doing.

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“I’m in a position that’s less taxing on the body as some of the other ones inside and outside me.”

White is loving his time in Perth and will consider staying there with his young family once his rugby career finishes.

“I’ve been overseas before, done five years, so I didn’t feel like it was the right time to go over again,” said White, who spent time at Exeter and Montpellier between 2015-2020.

“Now’s my time to give back to Australian rugby both on and off the field, and Perth was the best place for me to do that.

“I’ve seen what Cronno is doing here with a young squad. I feel like it will be a place where I’ll be best served to pass on my knowledge and experience.”

The Force’s season begins at home on Friday night against the Hurricanes.

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Jon 9 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

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