Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter has downplayed chatter that his side are lining up a sensational play for former player – and current Wallaby – Nic White.
White was a firm fan favourite during his three-year stint with the Chiefs, however, if Baxter’s words are anything to go by he won’t be returning to the club in the near future.
“No different to other rumours you hear”
Speaking to the media after his side’s dramatic 40-35 defeat to Bristol Bears, Baxter said even he doesn’t know where the rumours have come from.
“It’s no different to other rumours you hear,” he said. “We know we have to bring in some experience at some stage; but to be honest where the Nic White rumours have come from I don’t really know myself!”
Whilst Baxter downplayed links with a move for White, he did divulge that he is in regular contact with the scrum-half, who left Exeter just before their historic double in 2020.
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“I’m actually in fairly regular contact with Nic myself fairly regularly, he’s a very good ex-player here and we’ve stayed in touch ever since he left.”
He added: “If he was to turn around tomorrow and say ‘I’m about to parachute into Sandy Park tomorrow, can I have a game of rugby?’ I’d probably say yes, but that’s about as far as that rumour goes.”
White was a mainstay in the Exeter side across his three years at Sandy Park. He made 61 appearances for the club and also appeared in three Premiership finals. His good form for the Chiefs was rewarded with a return to the Wallabies squad, and he has kept his place in the squad under new boss Joe Schmidt.
Since his return Down Under, White has also featured for the Brumbies and Western Force. To date, the scrum-half has won 68 caps for his country, and been to two Rugby World Cups.
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