Rugby-Australia's surprise skipper ready to step up against Japan


  • Rugby
  • Friday, 24 Oct 2025

TOKYO (Reuters) -At the start of the year few Australian sports fans would have had heard of Nick Champion de Crespigny, but on Saturday the 29-year-old will lead his nation against Japan as the 92nd Wallabies captain.

The burly loose forward, who returned to Australia from France at the start of the season, was an unexpected inclusion in Joe Schmidt's squad for the British & Irish Lions series and a shock debutant starter in the first test in Brisbane.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Rugby

Rugby-Wallabies skipper Wilson undergoes minor knee operation
Rugby-'Gutted' Robertson steps down as All Blacks coach after critical review
Rugby-Wales' Faletau ruled out of first three Six Nations fixtures
Rugby league-England coach Wane resigns nine months before World Cup
Rugby-Cole leaves boyhood club Leicester after 18 years
Rugby-Wallabies centre Ikitau sidelined due to shoulder surgery
Rugby-New Salford-based team enters Championship after Red Devils liquidated
Rugby-Ex-players lose UK court bid to block disclosure orders in concussion lawsuit
Rugby-Hansen appointed head coach of New Zealand’s Black Ferns until 2027
Rugby-WRU pledges to retain talent as Morgan, Lake announce Gloucester switch

Others Also Read