‘He’s a standout’: Will Skelton and Jake Gordon back formidable new Wallabies talent Nick Champion de Crespigny

One of those rugged characters you certainly want in your corner.

This pretty much sums up the newest addition to the Wallabies back row, Nick Champion de Crespigny—a noteworthy surprise in Joe Schmidt’s squad set to face Fiji on July 6.

The 28-year-old Western Force player stands as one of just two uncapped athletes—alongside ACT Brumbies winger Corey Toole—in a mostly predictable 36-man roster vying for prized Test positions against the British and Irish Lions.

However, Champion de Crespigny’s inclusion wasn’t exactly unexpected given his consistently stellar outings in Super Rugby Pacific.

It marks his first year in the competition after previously grinding it out at Sydney University and with the NSW Country Eagles, followed by a stint in France with Castres that began in 2021.

In France, he faced tough match-ups against La Rochelle and the formidable Wallabies player Will Skelton in the Top 14 before making his return to Australia this season.

“He’s a weapon. He’s fantastic,” Skelton shared with Wide World of Sports during a Wallabies media day at Jake Gordon’s former stomping grounds at Stanmore Public School in Sydney.

“He’s a tough character, and I actually played alongside him at university for a few matches. He’d always make big hits in training, so I’ll keep an eye on him during the camp.”

WWOS quizzed Skelton on whether Champion de Crespigny always seemed destined for higher accolades as a Test player.

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“He always possessed that drive,” Skelton replied.

“He was always industrious, a tough player, and I recognised his potential when we were in France. The physicality there is off the charts, that’s the standard. He really delivered in those games and his work at the ruck was exceptional.

“To see him back and make this squad is a proud achievement for him and his family—it’s well-deserved.”

Champion de Crespigny is slated for an early opportunity against the Lions, with the Force set to battle them in the opening tour match in Perth on June 28.

Schmidt has openly expressed his desire for the state teams to physically challenge the tourists before the first Test in Brisbane on July 19.

Champion de Crespigny embodies the ideal raw-boned player for this role.

“Nick was always combative and incredibly fit,” said halfback Gordon, who has played alongside him at Sydney Uni and faced him while representing the NSW Waratahs this season.

“He sort of came into the spotlight a bit after me, but he’s a powerful guy, highly fit, and boasts a rowing background as well.”

“I think he’s had a remarkable year. He’s a fiercely competitive individual who operates on the edge, which is pleasing. I wouldn’t classify his return as a surprise. I had been following his progress in France, and he was playing some outstanding rugby. Excited to have him on the same side now.”

Champion de Crespigny has edged out Queensland Reds stars Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Seru Uru for his spot in the squad.

Schmidt stated that the player’s uniqueness lies in his ability to cover all positions in the back row.

Standing at 191cm, he is unlikely to be daunted by the spotlight, having appeared in front of 80,000 spectators at the Stade de France during the Top 14 final.

“His ability to halt ball carriers in their tracks is commendable,” Schmidt observed.

“He’s a reliable lineout target as well, displaying a swift jump. The feedback from the Force throughout the season indicated that he was a genuine catalyst for action, a true cohesive force within the squad—attributes we value in the Wallabies.”

Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison, now head of Australia’s rugby players’ association, described Champion de Crespigny as a symbol of resilience.

“Australia recognises that our professional capacity to retain players is limited,” Harrison remarked on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.

“The game tends to favour late development for forwards, particularly in terms of physique, intellect, confidence, skills, and timing.”

“Champion de Crespigny is a prime example of this. He’s a product of Canberra Grammar, demonstrating the journey of a player. He’s earned his stripes and returned to find a solid position with the Western Force.

“A great environment to assert his leadership; he exhibits the kind of calibre one expects on the field. Although he may lack Test caps, he plays with the confidence of a seasoned player.

“And that’s incredibly thrilling.”