Network Ten has confirmed reports that former Wallabies rugby star and Aussie larrikin Nick “The Honey Badger” Cummins is the new Bachelor for 2018.

One of Australian rugby’s most-loved characters, Cummins’ has 15 Test caps under his belt with the Australia Wallabies, played a season with the Australian Sevens, earnt a Commonwealth Games silver medal, and play with the Western Force and overseas in Japan.

Cummins earned the nickname “The Honey Badger” because of his strength, ferocity and toughness on the field.

Currently taking a break from the game, Cummins has also written two books about his life (with a third book in the works), travels extensively and has appeared in advertising campaigns for several brands.

Cummins’ wicked sense of humour and his distinctive, witty one-liners have made him an icon, both on and off the field.

Recently he was signed by Netflix to co-host season three of Ultimate Beastmaster, shot in Los Angeles (to be released mid-2018), co-developed and starred in National Geographic Channel’s Meanwhile in Australia… (which will be launched this year) and was the face of Tourism Australia’s global youth campaign ‘Aussie News Today!’.

Network Ten’s executive producer of The Bachelor Australia, Hilary Innes, said: “We are delighted that Nick has agreed to be Australia’s next Bachelor. He will bring a refreshing, honest and cheeky energy to season six.

“On top of all his incredible achievements, he is both loveable and surprising. I know he will be a phenomenal Bachelor.”

Cummins said: “I’m really looking forward to throwing everything at this opportunity to finding the one.”