Waikato Chiefs captain Nathan White confirms his switch to Leinster on one year deal – Rugby News
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) suffered another blow as the captain, Nathan White, of their ITM Cup runners up Waikato Chiefs has confirmed his decision to join the Irish professional Rugby Union club, Leinster, for next season’s campaign.
White confirmed his switch to the Northern Hemisphere in a statement made on Monday, September 5. Leinster officials have confirmed inking a one-year deal with the front row forwards’ player.
White becomes the ninth Waikato Chiefs’ player who has announced his departure from the club at the end of the 2011 season. The news is also a major blow for NZRU, who are trying their level best to keep a check on their players going abroad.
Although most of the All Blacks players had signed one and two-year contracts with the NZRU and their franchises, the massive outflow of talent is on the cards, particularly at the end of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Earlier at the end of the 2011 Super Rugby championship, White made a verbal agreement with the European powerhouse. However, he avoided inking the deal before the end of the 2011 ITM Cup competition.
White led his side to an unsuccessful title campaign, as they lost to their archrival, Canterbury, in the final of the 2011 ITM Cup. He has expressed his disappointment with the results and added that a win in the final would have been an ideal end to the career at the Chiefs. He said, “For Stephen [Donald], Sitiveni [Sivivatu] and me it would have been a nice fairytale to go out on a winning final, but not to be.”
Commenting on his decision to join Leinster White said, “Life's too short and let's move on. I signed another two years with the Chiefs I'd be 32 and that could be the end of my [playing] days, so I decided it was time to try something different and go over there and see what it's all about.”
White added that he has enjoyed his time while playing at the Waikato Chiefs and has particularly thanked the club supporters and fans for their unconditional love and support.
The 29-year-old White made his debut for the Chiefs against the Highlanders in 2006 and he has made 77 appearances for the Chiefs. He was appointed the captain of the provincial side two seasons ago and is considered a successful captain.
In other news, Chiefs have signed their former outside back, Andrew Strawbridge, as their third assistant coach. Strawbridge has played 131 games for the Waikato Chiefs and has scored 646 points.
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