The 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season will be Samuel Whitelock’s last with the Crusaders.
The veteran Crusader and All Black has taken up a two-year deal with Section Pau in the South of France, where he’ll link up with younger brother Luke Whitelock who joined the Top 14 club in 2019.
He also says he has had the privilege of playing with family for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks at different stages and this opportunity was too good to pass up.
Whitelock debuted for Canterbury in 2008 and the Crusaders in 2010. He is Crusader #142 and has currently played 176 games for the franchise – second only to Wyatt Crockett (203). He’s been a part of six championship campaigns and captained the side for several seasons.
The same could be said for his impact on the All Blacks, having earned many All Blacks caps as captain and respect across the globe as a rugby role model.
Crusaders Head Coach, Scott Robertson, says Whitelock is an “iconic rugby player” who had taught him a lot throughout his coaching career.
Whitelock will join Pau after the Rugby World Cup.
[Source: crusaders.co.nz]
