Get to know Nic

Nic has played more than 50 Tests for the Wallabies including the 2019 World Cup, while also having stints playing professionally in France and England.

He returned from overseas competition to guide the Brumbies to a domestic Super Rugby Title  and recently re-signed to stay at the scrumbase of the team based in the Nation’s capital until the end of 2023. That’s a long time from his Brumbies’ debut back in 2011 as he closes in 100 games for the successful ACT club. 

Keeping him grounded as his successful career shows no signs of slowing down is his three boys Leo, Sonny and newborn Vincent. 

“My 3 boys are a huge inspiration for me and a big part of my why,” Nic said. “I want to set a good example for them, so for me to show them I’m always giving my best.

 “Since the boys were born I’ve had an incredible balance in my life and being able to come home after a hard day of training, a big win or bad loss their needs come first and become my priority which is a great distraction from the rugby bubble and puts life into perspective.”

QLast time you were finalist for the Sports Dad of the Year award your family was blessed with two boys, now you and Melissa have three - how amazing is that?

AIt's incredible! We are truly blessed with three healthy and energetic boys. We feel very lucky and are very grateful for the beautiful family we have. 

QDo you still find it hard spending time away from the family due to your football commitments? 

AI do find it hard during the Wallabies season to be away from Mel and the boys for long periods of time but we are very lucky to have facetime so I'm able to see them every morning and say good night. 

QThere have been lots of challenges in the last few years with Covid and I’m sure your family like many have had to deal with it and maybe missed the chance to see family on special occasions, share your life with loved ones etc……tell us about some of your personal experiences?

ADuring 2021 we were moved to Queensland for the Wallabies season and then a long trip to the Northern Hemisphere followed. We were away from home for almost five months all up which was the longest I've been away from the boys and seeing them change so much from a far which was pretty tough. 

QOn game day, do you usually relax with the family, do you have a set routine?

AMy routine is the boys’ routine until I get to the stadium and that's when my routine starts. Game day is my favourite day of the week for many reasons. We always go for a walk game day and for a coffee. It’s just me and the boys to give mum a break before I go play the game and leave her with three boys all pumped to see dad on TV! 

QHas Leo and Sonny taken a liking to any sports and what are they?

AThey both absolutely love rugby, they have jerseys of a lot of the teams I've played for and often beg to wear them as soon as they wake up and as boys do they love to play rough and tackle. I've been pushing soccer but they are pretty determined to be rugby players like dad!

QDo they enjoy watching your play Rugby and are they able to get to your training?

AThey love watching me play, I love seeing them after games and seeing how excited they are. They do come to training and to a lot of our recovery sessions, they jump in the pool and spas with all the guys and join in … it’s great to see them so comfortable around the team and it's great to be able to have them there! I'm lucky we have such a great environment at the Brumbies and Wallabies to allow that. It's pretty special.

QTell us about your daily family duties?

AA usual day starts with Sonny waking around 5:30-6am. waking his older brother Leo and the three of us heading down stairs for milo and a much needed coffee for dad. I look after the Leo and Sonny until Mel and Vincent wakes. Then it’s all hands on deck to get the boys ready for the day. After training I burn as much energy as I can with the older two while Mel has baby Vinnie. I'll do bath time, dinner and bed time with Leo and Sonny. Vincent is still very much a mummy's boy and that's okay.

QDo you have any memorable moments with them?

APaying my 50th game for the Wallabies and having the boys on the field with me after the game and in the sheds. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Now lets hear from Melissa

QWhat's Nic's best asset as a father?

ANic has a really fun, gentle approach with the boys. He's full of energy and the kids lap it up! 

QDoes he enjoy being hands on … changes the nappies, bath-time etc?

AYes he really enjoys helping as much as he can, those are special bonding moments and he always takes them.