Former All Blacks prop Luke Whitelock has signed a contract extension with Top 14 club Pau, amid speculation that brother Sam would return to New Zealand.
Whitelock joined Pau in December 2019 from the Highlanders and is now in his fifth season with the Top 14 club.
Luke Whitelock extends Pau’s stay.
The 33-year-old will remain in France for at least two more seasons after extending his contract until the conclusion of the 2025/26 Top 14 season.
The revelation comes after rumors that Luke’s older brother, Sam Whitelock, may return to New Zealand, with Scott Robertson eager to put his All Blacks expertise to use.
Sam is the most capped All Black of all time, with 153 Test caps, and he might add to his total, but under New Zealand Rugby rules, he would have to return to a Super Rugby side in Aotearoa to wear the black jersey again.
When Sam revealed his intention to leave New Zealand and join Pau, he stated that the opportunity to work with his brother again was a key motivator.
“Hannah, the kids, and I are heading to France to play with my younger brother Luke,” Whitelock said in a Crusaders statement.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing with family for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks at different stages, and this opportunity was too good to pass up.”
The seasoned lock has yet to remark on a possible return to New Zealand, and with his brother’s contract being extended, will a single season playing alongside him suffice?
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Meanwhile, Luke, who played eight Tests for the All Blacks, is delighted to reside in Bearn after opting to stay with the club.
“I am delighted to continue with the club for two more seasons. I completely agree with the way we’re going; we have a fantastic mix of seasoned and talented young players in our group,” the back-rower stated.
“I will continue to do my part to improve our standards and develop the club’s vision. My family adores Béarn; we were warmly welcomed and now consider it a second home.”
Pau’s head coach continued, “Luke is a genuine leader inside the squad, everywhere and at all times: in training, during matches, by example, and by speaking.
“He embodies our team’s values and ambition.” “Our project and squad can only grow with boys like Luke.”
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