Wallabies back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny says whilst his dream 2025 has sunk in yet, the one-time skipper is refusing to rest on his laurels heading into the season.
Champion de Crespigny's rise was so meteoric that the 29-year-old wasn't involved in the opening camp of 2025, having just returned from France.
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With the Wallabies back together in camp to start the year, the back-rower is one of the leaders after making his Test debut, first as a player, before becoming the 92nd captain of Australia against Japan.
"It was very fast. I think it was quite nice because there was a lot of sacrifice and to come back to Australia and that was the ambition, to come here and try to do that and to be able to fulfil the dream was really good," he told reporters.
"As everyone else is, you're always looking forward and trying to be better and keep pushing.
"I was very privileged for [the captaincy] to happen and very grateful that the group trusted me. But I also sit there knowing there's 15 other guys who are leaders on the team so it made it really easy for me out there."
The newfound status and responsibility are something the Sydney Uni product isn't taking for granted heading into the new season.
"I know this year it's going to have to be another big Super Rugby season and to be part of this group, there are lots of great players in Super Rugby; you're going to have to compete every single week to get back in here," he explained.
"I was able to share a nice glass of red with my family and savour the moment a little bit but it's still sinking in."
The January camp marks the final time the group will come together before the July Nations Championship matches, which will be coach Joe Schmidt's last games in charge.
For Champion de Crespigny, the matches against Ireland, France and Italy loom as one last chance to repay Schmidt after his faith shown in him.
"It means a lot. I think the whole group can say we've got such a good relationship with Joe and the amount of effort and sacrifice he puts in, we appreciate it a lot," he added.
"I think we'd like to go out there and put a performance that can send him off the right way.}
