The All Blacks legend arrives… in Pau
After the World Cup, New Zealand second-line player Sam Whitelock will remain in France. The crusader has two seasons with Pau and will find his brother Luke Whitelock there.
The Paloise division itself is offering a weight boost for the next two seasons. Four years after luring third-row Luke Whitelock to Bern, it is the latter’s older brother who will wear Pau’s jersey at the end of the World Cup. In fact, while he has been wearing the colors of the Crusaders since the beginning of his career, apart from a freelance career in the Japanese Championship in 2020, Sam Whitelock has given his consent to swear by Baloise on the basis of a contract valid until June 2025.
The 143-cap All Blacks player decided to give his career a new direction by joining a team that just kept their place in the top 14 on the final day. The one who won two World Championship titles with New Zealand’s selection will bring his rich experience to the workforce led by Sebastian Pekeronis.
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i Monument International Rugby is committed to the division for two seasons! We’ll welcome πΊππ πΎππππππππ, Luke’s brother, after the World Cup π https://t.co/ZYPHQtsnEO# top 14 #HONhaSection pic.twitter.com/V2R3QyNkvQ
– SectionPaloise (SectionPaloise) May 31, 2023
S Whitlock: “I’m looking forward to discovering rugby in France”
The latter made no secret of the fact that “welcoming Sam Whitelock to the department is a great privilege and a good sign of confidence.” Paloise department manager added in a press release: βIf our project relied on a young and promising workforce, we always wanted to supervise it with experienced players. One more joins us and no less. The experience, toughness, professionalism and competitive spirit that drives Sam will bring a lot to the club.β
Meanwhile, Sam Whitelock claims he is “looking forward to discovering rugby in France and taking up the challenge” but above all being able to play with his brother on a daily basis. The Palmerston North native added: “It’s great to be able to play with my brother in the same team and not against each other.” With my family, we are looking forward to discovering French culture and learning the language. Before that, he will have a World Cup to play for the All Blacks.
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