You don’t usually expect rugby players to give grooming tips, but when Nic White springs out of his barber’s chair, moustache sharp and curled like a Victorian-era strongman, he’s not just prepping for the game—he’s performing.

Pointing to the next customer with a grin, he shouts, “You’re up next!” That’s just White: cheeky, animated, and never far from banter, even with the clippers buzzing in the background.

This week’s match is more than just another game—it’s a reunion, a battle, and a big emotional full circle for White as he gets ready to play against the British & Irish Lions for his province, the Western Force.

From Exeter Memories to Wallaby Comebacks

It’s been quite the journey for Nic White.

Once a central figure during Exeter Chiefs’ golden era, he left the English club in 2020 to pursue his Wallabies dream.

But he still holds Exeter—and the UK—close to his heart.

“I remember that interview in my house in Exeter, moaning about Saracens and their salary cap stuff. Turns out I was right!” he laughs now.

“I miss the UK. We’d just bought a house there and I was about to commit for another four years when the Wallabies came calling.

I was nervous to tell Rob Baxter I was leaving—but he gave me a hug and said, ‘Mate, this is what we want.’”

He still keeps in touch with old mates like Jack Nowell and the Simmonds brothers through a WhatsApp group, even though his day-to-day is now back in Australia, where he rooms with Wallaby giant Will Skelton.

“It’s a funny match-up—he’s 6ft 8in, I’m 5ft 9in. I reckon they put us together so I could fit in the trundle and he could have both beds!”

Emus, Kids, and Questions of Loyalty

White is a father now, with two sons born in England and a third in Australia.

He laughs telling the story of taking his boys to the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia: “Before I knew it, they were chasing an emu across the dunes.

They’re little yappers, those kids—like wild animals.”

As for which country they’ll support when they grow up? “They say the Wallabies, so we’re all good,” he chuckles.

Granted Special Release—and Ready to Stir Things Up

What makes this week’s clash with the Lions even more special is that White has been granted special release from Wallabies duty by head coach Joe Schmidt.

He’ll get to play for his province, the Western Force, in a rare opportunity to face the Lions both at club and international level.

“I hope Mack Hansen is playing,” he jokes. “We go way back.

He was trying to crack the side in Canberra, playing a bit of 10, 15—hardly any wing.

I told him to go for the move to Ireland, and look at him now. No regrets.”

Rugby’s Changing Face and the Global Game

White isn’t afraid to poke fun at how diverse modern rugby has become.

“It’s the way things are now—Fijians, Tongans, Aussies, Kiwis… all in different national jerseys.

You’ve even got big Duhan van der Merwe and a few Aussies playing for the Lions.

I love that we’re able to prop you guys up,” he teases.

Still, he acknowledges how difficult it can be to leave home in your prime and play overseas.

“It’s not easy—it really isn’t. But that’s the modern game.”

Time Ticking on a Colourful Career

At 35, Nic White knows the clock is ticking. He’s signed up for six more months of Super Rugby next year and says he’ll make the call after that.

“It might be the end. I want to empty the tank first, but I know this kind of day won’t be around forever.”

And there’s still one opponent he’d love to go head-to-head with: Jamison Gibson-Park.

“As an out-and-out nine, I reckon he’s better than Antoine Dupont,” White explains. “Dupont’s the best player in the world—hands down—but Gibson-Park’s service, speed to the breakdown, and team play are next level.

I definitely want his Lions shirt. That’s one to frame.”

Australia Looks to Rebuild After a Tough 2023

This tour couldn’t come at a more crucial time for Australian rugby.

Following a chaotic World Cup campaign under Eddie Jones, there’s a sense of urgency and opportunity.

“We need this tour—for the fans, for the sport,” White says.

“Back in 2022 we were playing some great footy and packing stadiums. Then came 2023. Let’s not even talk about that…”

Under Joe Schmidt, White believes the Wallabies are slowly regaining trust.

“We’re building something. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s coming.

And with 60,000 Brits landing here, it’s going to be loud. I’ll be sick of ‘Lions! Lions!’ chants by the end of it!”

Still a Showman, On and Off the Field

As the barber finishes trimming up the beard and slaps on a splash of aftershave, White throws in one final joke:

“You’ve gone from a four to a six out of 10! You’d better keep it for the Test matches—I’ll be watching!”

Nic White may be approaching the twilight of his career, but if there’s one thing clear—it’s that the moustache, the mischief, and the love for the game are still going strong.