Samuel Whitelock

A senior lock in the national team, Sam Whitelock is the epitome of the rangy, athletic lock: agile, extremely mobile and a formidable force with the ball in hand.

In 2015, Whitelock shouldered a big load for the national side and is now one of the most experienced members of the squad. Injury limited his rugby for the Crusaders in 2015, but when he did appear he was in electrifying form – his try against the Reds in Christchurch was acclaimed as one of the best ever scored by a tight forward. He was impressive at RWC 2015 and that form has continued into 2016, where he was handed captaincy responsibilities in the early stages of the Crusaders campaign.

In 2014, Whitelock again carried a big workload for the national side and is now one of the most experienced members of the squad. Injury limited his rugby for the Crusaders in 2015, but when he did appear he was in electrifying form. His try against the Reds in Christchurch was acclaimed as one of the best ever scored by a tight forward.

He has also played for New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under 19 and Under 20 before earning his All Blacks selection. Whitelock continued to develops into a international class second row forward, and while injury cut into his Crusaders campaign, he was named in the All Blacks 2011 squad to play Fiji and in the Investec Tri Nations. He played in all 12 of the All Blacks Tests in 2011, one of only four men to do so.

One of three Whitelock brothers playing professional rugby in New Zealand, Sam is an athletic lock who came of age playing in his debut Super Rugby season alongside Brad Thorn in 2010.

He was originally called into the 2010 All Blacks squad for the early season Steinlager Series as cover. He marked his Test debut with two tries against Ireland in New Plymouth and earned full promotion to the Investec Tri Nations team and then the All Blacks end of year tour squad.

His set piece expertise is a real strength but it’s his work rate around the field which has seen him quickly rise up the ranks.

Samuel made his provincial debut in 2008 and currently plays alongside older brothers Adam and George at the Crusaders, with George also playing for the All Blacks in 2009.

Although rugby is his first choice, basketball is Sam’s other sporting love – he was selected for a New Zealand Under 18 basketball training camp in 2006, the same year he played lock for New Zealand Schools.

Originally from the Manawatu, he moved to Lincoln University in Canterbury and graduated with a Bachelor of Science.