Australia scrum half Nic White will retire from international rugby after the Wallabies take on the British and Irish Lions in the third Test in Sydney.
The veteran returns to Joe Schmidt’s side for the clash at Accor Stadium having not featured in the first two games of the series.
The 35-year-old will now bow out after winning his 73rd cap of a career that has featured appearances at two World Cups. He will retire from the sport entirely at the end of 2025.
“Pulling on the gold jersey was a dream of mine when I was a young boy in Scone and to say I’ve done it 72 times, with one last crack on Saturday night, is something I’m incredibly proud of and a privilege I’ve never taken for granted,” White said.
“Rugby has given me so much to be grateful for. I’ve made some incredible memories, some lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to see the world.
“There’s been great competition for the nine jersey here in the Wallabies for a number of years and it feels like the right time to pass on the baton with some more good young players coming through who will need time in the saddle leading into what’s going to be an unbelievable experience of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.”
White missed the 2013 series against the Lions with a shoulder injury but fulfilled a dream of playing against the touring side by featuring for the Western Force earlier in the tour.
He starts the final Test with Jake Gordon left out entirely after wearing No 9 in Tests one and two, while Rob Valetini also drops out with the flanker’s workload being managed.
Taniela Tupou replaces the injured Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead, while Dylan Pietsch is brought in for Harry Potter, who hurt his hamstring in the first half last week. Tom Hooper takes Valetini’s place on the blindside.
Schmidt returns to a five forwards to three backs bench split, with Zane Nonggorr set to make his first appearance of the series. There is no Carlo Tizzano, involved in the contentious incident with Jac Morgan at the end of the second Test.
Australia XV to face the Lions in Sydney: 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Taniela Tupou; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Nic White, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway.
