The Exeter Chiefs are reportedly exploring a potential deal to bring Wallabies scrum-half Nic White back to Sandy Park for the remainder of the season. According to RugbyPass, the Chiefs, currently 0-3 in the Gallagher Premiership, have shown interest in White after an unsuccessful attempt to recruit Ben White, the Scotland international scrum-half who now plays for Toulon.
Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter recently expressed his reluctance to add more experienced players to his youthful squad. However, Exeter’s issues at scrum-half—with both Stu Townsend and Niall Armstrong sidelined and Sam Maunder returning from a long-term injury—appear to have prompted a change of heart.
Nic White, a 34-year-old New South Wales native, previously played for Exeter from 2017 to 2019, scoring 14 tries in 61 appearances and helping the team to consecutive Premiership finals. He left in 2019 to regain eligibility for the Rugby World Cup, joining the ACT Brumbies before eventually signing with Western Force.
Entering the final year of his contract with Western Force, White remains well-regarded at Exeter, and his return could offer a much-needed boost. Exeter had initially approached Toulon about Ben White, the former England U20 player, but his recent contract extension in France keeps him tied to the club until 2026.
As the Chiefs seek a solution to their rough season start, Nic White’s experience and familiarity with the team might just be what they need to get back on track.
