Luke Whitelock latest All Black signed by French club
Luke Whitelock chose the certainty of a three-deal instead of the whatifs.
The six-test All Black has signed a deal with French club Pau, who he will join after the Rugby World Cup, with the departure of All Blacks No 8 Kieran Read to Japan not enough to convince Whitelock to stay in New Zealand.
‘‘It’s been a hard decision for us, we’ve been going through the process for a while,’’ the Highlanders co-captain said yesterday.
‘‘This is my ninth year of Super Rugby this year and I’m not getting any younger.
‘‘This will take us through to 31 [years old] and I just know that some things in life aren’t guaranteed and we can control that next couple of years and have a different experience.’’
The reality for Whitelock is that despite having captained the All Blacks as recently as last November, against Japan, he doesn’t have the security of knowing he is the next cab off the rank at No 8.
The Hurricanes’ Ardie Savea performed admirably in the role last year and the Blues’ Akira Ioane is a player of vast promise.
That fed into his decision, as well as input from his wife Claire.
‘‘I’ve got a wife and there’s more to some things than rugby at times,’’ Whitelock said. ‘‘We’re looking for a bit of a life experience, a change and we think if we didn’t do it now you can get injuries . . . we just thought we could take control so that when we look back we don’t have any regrets.’’
Whitelock is still a chance to make the All Blacks’ Rugby World squad, where his leadership and maturity would be an asset, and said he hoped his move wouldn’t hinder his chances.
‘‘You’ve just got to play well at Super Rugby,’’ he said.
‘‘If you are performing well that’s the only way you can put your best foot forward. I don’t think you can look at some of that stuff otherwise you’re just reading into things.’’
Pau club president Bernard Pontneau announced the deal yesterday, continuing a heavy raid of All Blacks talent in this World Cup year.
Ben Smith is also heading to Pau who are coached by former All Black Simon Mannix.
He departs on the back of his best year with the All Blacks where he played five tests in 2018, including captaining the national team in the test against Japan.
Whitelock, the third brother in the family to play for the All Blacks, is involved in a huge Super Rugby derby tonight when the Highlanders play the Crusaders.