Whitelock quits Highlanders for Top 14 pay day
FLANKER Luke Whitelock has signed a three-year deal with Top 14 side Pau.
Whitelock, 28, has been a fringe international since making his debut for the All Blacks against Japan in 2013, and after having to wait four years between his first and second test cap, was named captain in a non-test against a French XV in Lyon in 2017, and then again against Japan last year.
He has since gone on to feature in seven test matches, linking up with older brother Sam in all but two of them. Whitelock made his debut for the Crusaders in 2012, before shifting to the Highlanders in 2016, where he has gone on to establish himself as co-captain alongside fellow Pau-bound star Ben Smith.
Pau’s capture of Whitelock’s signature adds to the club’s strong Kiwi presence, as the squad already features seven New Zealanders – Jamie Mackintosh, Daniel Ramsey, Peter Saili, Colin Slade, Benson Stanley, Frank Halai and Tom Taylor – and is coached by former All Blacks firstfive Simon Mannix.
With All Blacks skipper Kieran Read departing to Japanese Top League side Toyota Verblitz next year, a space will be opening up for a newcomer to permanently take over the No. 8 role within the national side.
Whitelock, who is renowned for his leadership qualities and defensive solidity, stood as a strong candidate to take that role, with uncapped Blues star Akira Ioane his biggest threat. It appears Ioane will now be favourite to claim the jersey in 2020.