Whitelock recommits to NZ
Luke Whitelock isn’t going anywhere until at least the end of next year, not even Japan.
The All Blacks loose forward has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2019, recommitting to the Highlanders and Canterbury in the process.
Unlike All Blacks team-mate Jordan Taufua, who will play in Japan instead of for Tasman, if he isn’t tied up with the national side’s Rugby Championship campaign, Whitelock will play in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Highlanders team-mate Elliot Dixon is another who has been granted permission by NZR to flag the NPC and cash in with a stint in Japan, before returning to New Zealand for next year’s Super Rugby competition.
‘‘Everyone looks at different options and you go through different scenarios and you make a decision based off that,’’ Whitelock said. ‘‘I guess it was more to give here . . . that’s what it boiled down to.’’
Securing his short-term future means Whitelock, who will start tonight’s home match against the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium at No 8, can knuckle down and have a good crack at making next year’s World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old has played just three tests since making his debut in 2013, but is in the All Blacks’ 33-man squad for the three-match series against France.
Having started his Super Rugby career with the Crusaders, he’s
‘‘There’s obviously been a change of prep with some of us guys not here for the early part of the week,’’ Whitelock said. ‘‘But everyone is really experienced and knows what they need to do in order to prepare. It’s been slightly different to the usual, but I know everyone is ready to go.’’
They’ll have to be if the Highlanders, fourth in the New Zealand conference with a 8-4 record, are to win their 12th straight game at home.
‘‘Friday night is huge,’’ said interim head coach Mark Hammett, who is filling in for Aaron Mauger until he returns from bereavement leave today.
The Highlanders will don black armbands in honour of Mauger’s mother, Christine Wilson, who died last weekend.