Nick Champion de Crespigny is hungry to taste the Lions atmosphere once again as he pushes for a Wallabies debut.
Champion de Crespigny (pronounced de crep-nee) joined the Wallabies squad for the first time after he bolted into contention with the Western Force.
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The former Castres backrower was excellent for the Force in 2025, with his hard-hitting and versatile play catching the eye of selectors.
“It's been a bit of a whirlwind just getting across all the knowledge at the moment and absolutely loving it,” Champion de Crespigny said.
“It's such a professional environment and it's the top tier of Rugby. It’s a new challenge and it’s a really good group.
“For the Wallabies, it's a pinnacle. You grow up watching them so it would mean everything to me.
Champion de Crespigny admitted it was a weird feeling having to wait an extra week before experiencing Wallaby camp, staying back with the Force for their tour match against the Lions.
However, the backrower was at home in front of a record crowd at Optus Stadium and is now itching for another crack at the tourists.
“It was electric. You were able to run through brick walls out there when you got the crowd screaming at you, so it was really exciting,” Champion de Crespigny said.
“…I think for 40-50 minutes we put out a really solid performance. Obviously we fell off towards the end but lots of great learnings and what an amazing spectacle of Rugby it was.”
Champion de Crespigny found himself toe-to-toe with firebrand Henry Pollock, culminating in the pair's post-try scuffle just before halftime.
“Rugby's a pretty physical and fiery game and I know I'm definitely a fiery guy as well so I think everything happens on the field and stays on the field,” Champion de Crepsigny said.
“I had a good chat with (Pollock) after the game and he seems like a really good guy…I think for us the Lions is full of a lot of threats. They've got great players across the park but yeah, he's a really impressive player and he's done really well.”
