Wallabies star gives thoughts on new coach as ‘unfinished business’ on the horizon
Wallabies star gives thoughts on new coach as 'unfinished business' on the horizon
New Wallabies back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny expects the transition to new head coach Les Kiss to be “seamless” when current boss Joe Schmidt steps aside later this year.
Speaking to the press this week, the 29-year-old said: “Les Kiss has spent a bit of time with us while we’re on tour, and I think it’ll be a pretty seamless transition for the group.
“I think everyone’s excited for it, and now we’re excited to have the first three games with Joe, also. I think there’s a bit of unfinished business there, and we’re excited to get stuck into that.”
When asked about his personal relationship with Kiss, he said: “I’ve had a few conversations here or there when he’s been in and around the group, but he seems great, like a really good guy.
Comparing the departing coach with the man set to take over, Champion de Crespigny added: “I think they’ve got a lot of similar principles, so it should be quite seamless.”
Joe Schmidt and the Wallabies’ future
Schmidt is on his way out, but those involved in the Wallabies camp are keen for him not to venture too far.
“As a group, we love Joe, and you’ve seen the change in the group with Joe,” continued Champion de Crespigny. “Whatever position he wants to take, if that’s possible with his family commitments, we’d love that, but we support him either way.”
Back in camp as a refresher, Champion de Crespigny and his teammates are looking forward to what 2026 can bring.
“Camp’s been good for us to reconnect as a group and review last year, and sort out areas where we can grow,” he said. “I think everyone’s looking forward. We’ve got a big few years coming up, with a home World Cup, and that new Nations Cup’s really exciting.
Nick Champion de Crespigny’s time as captain
The Western Force star was a surprise captaincy selection in only his third ever Test last year, but took the opportunity in his stride, helping the Wallabies to defeat Japan in Tokyo.
“I didn’t think that was going to happen,” said Champion de Crespigny on being given the leadership duties.
“I was very privileged for it to happen, and very grateful that the group trusted me. But I also sit there with 15 other guys who were leaders on the team, so it’s made it really easy for me out there.”
Having such a heavy burden placed around your neck in the early days of an international career would be hard for anyone, but Champion de Crespigny insists that it didn’t affect who he was.
“It definitely has its burden. You take a lot of pride in representing the group, and I hope to emulate that when I play as captain,” he said. “But I don’t try to change who I am around the group. Regardless of if you got a C next to your name or not, you try to lead with your actions and be who you are.”
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“I think everything’s earned”
Just because he’s achieved captaincy at such an early stage doesn’t guarantee him selection moving forward. In fact, for the latter stages of 2025, Champion de Crespigny was overlooked in favour of more experienced Wallabies.
“I think everything’s earned,” he said about his chances of adding to his list of caps.
“I know this year it’s gonna have to be another big Super Rugby season. And to be part of this group, there are lots of great players in Super Rugby. You’re gonna have to compete every single week to get back in here.”
He’s been happy to get his first taste of international rugby, but admits that it still hasn’t really sunk in.
“Whirlwind would probably be the word I’d be thinking of. It was very fast. It was quite nice, because there’s a lot of sacrifice to come back to Australia, and that was the ambition, to come here and try to do that, and to be able to fulfil a dream was really good.
“But I think as everyone else is, you’re always looking forward and trying and be better. So, you keep pushing.”
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