Towards Sam Whitelock's return to New Zealand this summer?

Thursday, New Zealand Herald It has been revealed that new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has been trying to persuade Sam Whitelock to return home to continue playing for the team. The second-rower, who arrived in Pau in December after the World Cup, has signed a two-year deal with the division, where he joins his brother Luke.

Whitelock, 35, has played seven games for the Bernese. While the World Cup final in France against South Africa (11-12) looked like the last of 153 options, the giant could extend the adventure with the Lions, from the summer tour. Republic of the Pyrenees He also reported on Friday that he has an exemption to play July's Test matches against England (twice) and Fiji.

Before returning to New Zealand, to his long-standing franchise, the Crusaders? Whitelock has a release clause in his contract to leave before the June 2025 deadline. “Whether you are Georgian or New Zealander, the call of the national team is strong.“The head of the department, Bernard Ponto, commented, Republic of the Pyrenees. He will judge for himself. But for now, I have nothing to discuss.

Robertson is interested in “his” Europeans.

Meeting in London ahead of the England v Ireland (23-22) game he has come to oversee in the recent Six Nations, Scott Robertson asked us with interest about his European players, such as Sam Whitelock, whom he wants to make a phone call to, Jack Goodhue (Casters) or Lester Vainganuku (Toulon).

If he has no control over the matter, the new All Blacks boss still wants to influence the adjustment of the eligibility criteria for New Zealand selection, so that he can rely on players who play away from home, particularly in the Japanese tournament (such as Sam Cane or Beauden Barrett, who he would like to see back in the Blacks). Sam Whitelock's contribution to starting this new cycle could provide him with the leadership and experience to deserve the name as he launches a new generation of players.

Robertson knows Whitlock well from his time as his coach at the Crusaders between 2017 and 2023 (winning five Super Rugby titles between them). Canterbury have looked in poor form since those two left, with four defeats in as many games this season. And Scott Barrett’s injury (broken finger) won’t help them get back on their feet.