Samuel Lawrence Whitelock, born on 12 October 1988, is a prominent New Zealand rugby union player who currently represents the Crusaders in Super Rugby and Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup. He primarily plays as a lock. Whitelock has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career and has captained both the Crusaders and the New Zealand national team in several international games.
Since his debut in 2010, Whitelock has amassed over 100 test appearances for New Zealand, making him the youngest New Zealander to reach this milestone. He holds the distinction of being the fastest player to reach 100 international caps, achieving this feat just eight years and two months after his test debut. In 2017, Whitelock was recognized as the New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year.
Whitelock is renowned for his exceptional partnership with fellow lock Brodie Retallick. The duo has played 50 tests together since 2012, forming one of the most formidable locking combinations in the sport. Whitelock has played a vital role in the success of the New Zealand national team, contributing to their victories in the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup tournaments.
Hailing from Manawatu, Whitelock attended Lincoln University in Canterbury, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Alongside his rugby career, he has also demonstrated his skill and passion for basketball, being selected for a New Zealand Under 18 basketball training camp in 2006.
The Whitelock family has a rich rugby legacy in New Zealand, with several members representing the All Blacks. Sam's grandfather, Nelson Dalzell, his great-uncle, Allan Elsom, and his brothers, George and Luke, have all played for the national team. His brother Adam played for the All Blacks Sevens, and his father Braeden represented Manawatu.
Whitelock has been an integral part of the Crusaders squad since his debut in 2010, winning consecutive Super Rugby titles in his first two years as captain. His leadership abilities were recognized by the All Blacks coaching staff, leading to him captaining the national team for the first time in 2017. He has also served as a stand-in captain for Kieran Read.
In May 2019, Whitelock signed a new four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders, and Canterbury, which extended until 2023. As part of the agreement, he took a break from New Zealand rugby after the 2019 Rugby World Cup to play for the Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights. He became the first New Zealand player to sign such a deal, returning to New Zealand after the Japanese Top 14 season concluded.
Whitelock holds the record for the most capped All Blacks lock of all time and achieved his Test centurion status in 2018. He played a crucial role in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup campaigns in 2011 and 2015 and has been considered a potential future captain of the national team. In November 2020, he started his 100th test match for the All Blacks during the Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Brisbane.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Whitelock has been named in the squad for New Zealand.
KG(06/06/2023)
Career
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Feilding High School No 4 Lock |
2002 - 2006 |
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Saitama Wild Knights No 5 Lock |
2020 - 2020 |
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Crusaders No 4 Lock |
2010 - 2023 |
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Canterbury No 4 Lock |
2008 - 2024 |
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New Zealand No 4 Lock |
2010 - 2024 |
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South Island No 5 Lock |
2020 - 2024 |
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Pau No 4 Lock |
2023 - 2024 |
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Barbarians No 4 Lock |
2024 - 2024 |
