Nick Cummins will add to the competition in the Wallabies' back three © Getty Images

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He left for Japan as an incumbent Wallabies winger but a place in Australia's Rugby World Cup squad will be anything but a foregone conclusion for Nick Cummins in 2015.

The man affectionately known the world over as the Honey Badger will return to Western Force in 2015 after arranging a short-term release from his contract with Japanese club Coca-Cola West Red Sparks. The deal with the Perth-based franchise once again makes him eligible for the Wallabies, and brings him back into contention for a spot in Michael Cheika's 30-man World Cup squad.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Honey Badger is returning to Australia in 2015! #BadgeIsBack pic.twitter.com/scJnecumPd

— Qantas Wallabies (@QantasWallabies) December 23, 2014

But the outlook across Australia's outside backs has shifted dramatically during Cummins' absence and the competition will only increase when James O'Connor packs his bags in Toulon and heads home to Queensland to join the Reds.

Cummins and O'Connor will join a list of World Cup contenders that already features Adam Ashley-Cooper, Henry Speight, Rob Horne, Joe Tomane, Peter Betham, Chris Feauai-Sautia and the uncapped Tom English. The ability of Ashley-Cooper, O'Connor and Horne to cover multiple positions gives them an edge while Speight is a genuine finisher who finally became eligible for Australia in September, and went on to start Tests against Ireland and England.

Injuries aside, that could leave Cummins fighting for possibly one remaining outside-back spot with four or more quality wingers. It's a gamble, but one anyone watching Cummins' efforts for the Barbarians against the Wallabies will be glad he's taken. His off-field impact around the Wallabies squad shouldn't be overlooked either.

And even if he does fail to earn a spot in England next year you sense there would be far greater disappointment for Cummins had he not attempted it at all. Just like desert-dwelling creature whom with he shares his name, it's great to see the Honey Badger won't die wondering.