Sam Whitelock, the most capped player for the All Blacks and a two-time World Cup champion, has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season, ending any rumors that he might rejoin the national team.
After the World Cup, the 153-cap international signed a two-year contract with Top 14 team Pau. However, it has been claimed that All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson had approached the international about playing in a Test this year.
However, the 35-year-old will instead retire at the conclusion of the current season in France, the All Blacks revealed on Tuesday.
It will be the end of a career that saw him win eleven Rugby Championships, play in four World Cups (winning the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011 and 2015), record 125 Test victories since making his debut in 2010.
The lock stated, “I’ve been talking with my wife Hannah and the kids about what our future looks like.”
It’s now time to wrap up the rugby playing chapter.
“I believe that anyone who has played for a long time will tell you that the desire to compete never goes away—it’s just a phase of life that you go through.”
“We have not made this decision lightly, but it is the correct one for myself, my wife, and our three children, Fred, Iris, and Penelope.
And I believe that spending more time with my wife and children and really seeing them participate in sports is what most delights me. being able to participate in school cross-country and other activities.
“It’s difficult to express gratitude to everyone, but Hannah, along with my parents, brothers, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents, has undoubtedly played a significant role. In addition, the majority of the fans have been really accepting of both myself and my style of play.
“I’m grateful for all of the support I’ve received; without it, I could not have accomplished what I have.”
“Sam is an immortal of our incredible game,” Robertson continued.
He is, first and foremost, a good man. a wonderful parent and husband with a unique gift for forging strong bonds with others from all backgrounds.
Over the course of four World Cup cycles, Sam has had a huge psychological and physical influence on rugby. Being driven to achieve at the greatest level by his competitive spirit, he is a winner who rose to every occasion.
“Sam will be remembered among the greats of our sport.”
