‘Humbled’ All Blacks great Sam Whitelock to play one final international match
All Blacks great Sam Whitelock.
All Blacks great Sam Whitelock is set to return to the international arena for one final time, joining the Barbarians squad for the Kilik Cup against Fiji.
The 35-year-old lock played his final club game for Pau in the Top 14 last week, scoring with his last involvement for the side before heading into retirement.
Whitelock is the most capped All Black of all-time, having represented his country on 153 occasions, but will make his BaaBaas debut against Fiji.
Whitelock to make Barbarians debut
The second rower is looking forward to making his Barbarians debut at Twickenham Stadium.
“I’ve always wanted to represent the Barbarians, so I am delighted that now I have the opportunity to do it,” he said.
“I can’t wait to experience a week with the BaaBaas, and it’s very exciting for me to be doing something for the first time after such a long career in rugby so far.
“The Barbarians is a select group; you have to be invited to play, and to get that invitation now is very humbling.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know a few of the guys I have played against throughout my career. Spending a week with the group will be special – it’s always great to get to know different people, different cultures and different ways of doing things, with the backdrop of an important match at the end of the week.
“The Barbarians play a fantastic style of rugby as well, they’re never afraid to try a few things and I am sure it will be the same again this time around.”
Whitelock joins the likes of Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May and Kyle Sinckler in the Barbarians side coached by former Crusaders and Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans.
Sam Whitelock: Most capped All Black of all-time and his trophy ladened 17-year career
“It’s going to be an incredible day at Twickenham”
The lock was the fastest player to reach 100 appearances, reaching the feat eight years and two months after his Test debut in 2010.
He captained the All Blacks on 18 occasions and won the World Cup with the side in 2011 and 2015, reaching the final in 2023.
“I’ve been playing rugby since I was three years old, and while my playing career is coming to an end, I know the sport will always be there for me – whether that’s in coaching, playing in fundraising matches, or whatever else might be ahead of me,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what that looks like, but for now I am just really looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Barbarians, as it’s something I’ve never done before and a chance that does not come around often.
“It’s going to be an incredible day at Twickenham. Everyone that comes along is going to get two international matches for the price of one, which is pretty cool, and there’s going to be some awesome players out there showing the world what they’re capable of.
“I’m sure there will be some brilliant rugby played so I’m really excited to be involved.”
Prior to the clash between the BaaBaas and Fiji, South Africa and Wales will face off in the Qatar Airways Cup.
