New Zealand’s veteran second row, Sam Whitelock, has touched down at French Top 14 club Pau with hopes of finding positives in the aftermath of last month’s heart-wrenching World Cup Final defeat. The towering lock, who boasts an impressive 153 Tests for the All Blacks, arrived on a two-year deal, eager to make his mark in the competitive French league.
Advertisement
Whitelock played a crucial role in the recent World Cup Final against South Africa, where New Zealand fell short by a single point (11-12). Despite the disappointment of missing out on a historic third World Cup title, Whitelock is determined to extract valuable lessons and turn the experience into motivation.
“I don’t think any player that goes so close ever gets over it, but you learn that you can’t change history,” expressed Whitelock during his introduction as a Pau player. “Hopefully, I can take what I experienced and put a good spin on it at some stages,” he added, showing resilience in the face of defeat.
Post-World Cup, many All Blacks players have opted for lucrative contracts abroad, and Whitelock is among the select few heading to France. With only a handful, including Leicester Fainga’anuku and Nepo Laulala, choosing the French Top 14, the move reflects a unique journey for these players.
Advertisement
Embracing the change in lifestyle and climate, Whitelock, along with his wife and three children, is ready for the challenges and experiences that France offers. “It’s a different way of life coming to France,” he noted, emphasizing the shift from New Zealand’s winter to the European winter. “I’m looking forward to experiencing different things,” he added optimistically.
Notably, at Pau, Whitelock will be under the captaincy of his younger brother, Luke Whitelock, an eight-time All Black. Sam humorously remarked, “My little brother Luke has been sowing seeds, dropping hints, for the last three, four years,” adding a playful family dynamic to their professional relationship.
Pau, currently positioned second in the Top 14, has been on an upward trajectory since their promotion in 2016. Whitelock acknowledges the club’s outstanding performance but recognizes the increased pressure on him to contribute positively. “I have to come here and perform. I have to add to the momentum that has been started,” asserted the 2.02m (6.6ft) tall lock.
Whitelock is expected to make his debut for Pau in the Challenge Cup game against Welsh region the Dragons on December 16, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in his illustrious rugby career.
Leave a Reply