All Blacks legend to join his brother in the Top 14 after the World Cup
Veteran All Blacks second-row Sam Whitelock will be heading to Pau in the Top 14 on a two-year deal after the Rugby World Cup in France, signalling the end of an illustrious Test career.
Whitelock is the third most capped Test player in history with 143, only behind Richie McCaw and Alun Wyn Jones. The second-row has also captained New Zealand and won two World Cup titles with his country.
🇳🇿➡️🇫🇷 Sam Whitelock to leave New Zealand Rugby after the Rugby World Cup. pic.twitter.com/mHBhiVOOG0
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 31, 2023
Family reunited
The Crusaders star comes from a rugby-rich family and he will be linking up with his younger brother, Luke, who has been on the Pau roster since 2019.
The second-row looks forward to all the intricacies that come with a move to France including learning the language and culture. Whitelock is also excited to be on the same team as his brother.
“I’m looking forward to discovering rugby in France and facing this challenge,” Whitelock said in a Pau press release.
“It’s great to be able to play with my brother in the same team and not against each other. My family and I are looking forward to discovering French culture and learning the language.”
Big welcome
Meanwhile, Pau head coach Sebastien Piqueronies underlined that Whitelock’s experience adds great balance to the set-up at the club and he looks forward to his arrival.
“Welcoming Sam Whitelock to Section is an immense privilege and a great vote of confidence,” he said.
“Although our project is based on a young, promising squad, we have always wanted to support it with experienced players. One more player has joined us, and he’s not nobody. Sam’s experience, toughness, professionalism and competitive spirit will bring a lot to the club.”
Whitelock was not the only bit of transfer news coming out of the club this week as they confirmed the signing of outgoing Exeter Chiefs fly-half Joe Simmonds on Tuesday.
Pau will be looking to use their new signings to improve next season as the club only just avoided relegation on the final day of the season.
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