Whitelock, Milner-Skudder to Toulon?
All Blacks Sam Whitelock and Nehe Milner-Skudder appear set to play for Toulon after next year’s World Cup in Japan.
Whitelock has been linked to the French club since February 2017, and speculation both he and Milner-Skudder are on the verge of signing has ramped up.
South African lock Eben Etzebeth is also apparently on the verge of committing to the cashrich club after next year’s show piece event.
Whitelock, who has played 107 tests for the All Blacks, is contracted to New Zealand Rugby through 2020, and is understood to be in talks with NZR regarding a new four-year contract.
Any new deal would certainly include a sabbatical clause, and the 30-year-old hasn’t hid the fact his future might include a stint in Japan, an option more New Zealanders are considering.
The lock will again captain the Crusaders in next year’s Super Rugby campaign, although there is a chance he will take an extended break after the northern tour.
It could see him miss the first month of the competition, although coach Scott Robertson said ‘‘nothing is definite’’ until he has spoken to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen later this year.
Whitelock got through a power of work this year, leading the Crusaders to a second Super title on the bounce, and shouldering an increased load for the national side with Brodie Retallick hindered by injury.
Word he and Milner-Skudder are off to Toulon follows news fullback Ben Smith has reportedly agreed to join French club Pau on a short-term deal after next year’s World Cup.
French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique reported the deal was as good as done last week, and said the Highlanders co-captain would then head to Japan.