New Western Force scrumhalf Nathan Hastie has confirmed his desire to pull on the gold jersey as the former NZ U20s star returns to Perth.
Hastie signed a two-year deal with the club, returning to his place of birth after leaving for Dunedin at the age of 15.
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The 24-year-old, who still has family in Perth via his mother, may have pulled on the black jersey in the past; however, his future ambitions are clear.
“I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about it. I'd love to put on a gold jersey. I think that would be a really special one," he told Rugby.com.au.
“...When I was growing up, my old man got me into rugby, so I was a bit torn, but I was definitely a bit of an All Blacks supporter there for a bit and playing over there for high school, I played NZ under-20s as well.
“But coming back over here, I'd love to play for the Wallabies and give it a good crack anyway.
“At the moment, just trying to string a few good games together and then see what happens.”
Hastie came through the Highlanders system and was handed a special Super Rugby debut in 2023 after coming off the bench against the Force at HBF Park.
He reflected on what it would potentially mean to trade places and play in front of the Sea of Blue as a local.
“I remember going to HBF Park when I was younger and my old man taking me down there to watch Force games, so I think it'll be special to play for the Force for sure," Hastie said.
“I debuted for the Highlanders in 2023 in Perth, so that was a full circle moment within itself, and now, a couple of years later, I managed to come here and play here hopefully.
"If you asked me back when I first started if I thought this would happen, I'd probably say no, but it's been a pretty wild ride.”
The Otago scrumhalf was relishing the chance to learn from new coach Nic White, who was added to the staff last week.
It's allowed Hastie to sharpen his skills ahead of Friday's pre-season trial against the Queensland Reds.
“We've got a great group of nines here so it's been really good working with them," he added.
“Everyone here is really keen to just work together and get better as a group, so I think that's awesome and then have ‘Whitey’ in here as well, giving you tips and giving you a little bit of advice that you wouldn't think about on your own. It's great to have that experience to draw from.
“I think we've got a really good competitive group of nines here and it should be all the better for the team for the season."
