All Blacks
Samuel Whitelock

PLAYER PROFILE

Samuel Whitelock

Lock

KEY STATS
UPDATED
AGE
35
WEIGHT
117KG
HEIGHT
202CM
GAMES
153
POINTS
35
TRIES
7
CONV
0
PEN
0
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BIOGRAPHY

SAMUEL WHITELOCK epitomises the modern lock: agile, mobile, athletic and a formidable force with ball in hand, and he is also a capable and smart leader.

Whitelock is the most capped All Blacks lock of all time and became the eighth Test centurion in 2018.

He made his Test debut in 2010, scoring two tries. Whitelock played in all seven All Blacks matches at RWC 2011 and again at RWC 2015.

He first captained the side against Wales in Cardiff in 2017, and took the leadership position again in place of an injured Kieran Read for the 2018 Steinlager Series.

Whitelock has captained his Crusaders since 2017, leading the team to their back to back Super Rugby titles. He didn't captain the team during their 2020 Super Rugby Aotearoa victory but was a key part of the squad nonetheless. 

With regular captain Sam Cane injured, Whitelock was named as captain of the All Blacks for the 2021 Steinlager Series. 

As a younger player, he locked for New Zealand Schools in 2005 and 2006, New Zealand Under 19 in 2007 and was part of the 2008 New Zealand Under 20 side that claimed the inaugural Junior World Championship.

His grandfather Nelson Dalzell, great-uncle Allan Elsom and brothers George and Luke have also played for the All Blacks while brother Adam played for the All Blacks Sevens and father Braeden played for Manawatu.

Whitelock became the All Blacks' second most capped player when he brought up his 133rd Test appearance early in the 2022 season. 

Samuel Whitelock news

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Samuel Whitelock announces retirement from professional rugby
Samuel Whitelock has announced he will retire from all professional rugby at the end of the current club season in France where he is playing for Pau.
Sam Whitelock's Lasting Impact: Reflections on a Storied Career
Sam Whitelock, All Black lock and New Zealand's most capped Test player, may have missed out on becoming the first player to win three World Cup winner's medals, but he left Test rugby with reputation enhanced.
Magnificent Eight: Paying tribute to the departing All Blacks of 2023
The Rugby World Cup often signifies the end of an era, where we bid farewell to distinguished players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
All Blacks named for Rugby World Cup semifinal against Argentina
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt have announced the team to take on Argentina in Friday’s Rugby World Cup semifinal in Paris.
Retallick reflects on unique bond with Whitelock
All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick praised his long-time locking and world record partner Sam Whitelock on the eve of becoming New Zealand's most-capped Test player during their Rugby World Cup pool game with Italy in Lyon on Saturday (NZT).
Tributes flow in from around the world for Whitelock
Tributes from around the rugby world have rained down on All Black lock Sam Whitelock ahead of his New Zealand record 149th Test, against Italy in Lyon on Saturday, but his former captain, and the man he has relieved of the record, Richie McCaw who summed up his achievement.
PREVIEW: All Blacks v Italy (Rugby World Cup 2023)
All eyes turn to Lyon as the All Blacks square off with Italy in a crunch Pool A clash which could decide the quarterfinal fates of both teams.

All Blacks named for Rugby World Cup pool match against Italy
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt have named the team for Friday’s Rugby World Cup pool match against Italy in Lyon.
Sam Whitelock on the cusp of All Blacks history
When the great Richie McCaw hung up his boots for the last time with 148 Test caps for his country, most people thought no man could ever come close to breaking his record.
All Blacks expect ‘physical’ Namibia outift in Toulouse
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea is not fooled by Namibia's ranking of No. 21 ahead of their Rugby World Cup pool game in Toulouse on Saturday (NZT).
PREVIEW: All Blacks v France (Rugby World Cup 2023)
France has always respected New Zealand's stature in rugby, but for 80-plus minutes in Paris on Saturday morning (NZT), that admiration will be put on hold in front of a packed house at Stade de France when the sides mark the opening of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
All Blacks named to play France in Rugby World Cup opener
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt have named the match day 23 that will take the field against France for the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2023.
In numbers: All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup
With the tenth edition of the Rugby World Cup set to kick off in France on Saturday morning (NZT), catch up on the key numbers and stats from the All Blacks in the history of the tournament.
Whitelock on the cusp of history in France
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock deserves to be the first three-time Rugby World Cup winner should New Zealand go all the way in France to claim their fourth world title.
Whitelock itching for return to black jersey
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock has been around Test rugby long enough to know that letting your guard down against Australia can be costly, and avoiding that will be the goal in Melbourne on Saturday for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup game.
PREVIEW: All Blacks v England (Twickenham)
The All Blacks finish their 2022 season with a crunch Test against England at Twickenham on Sunday morning (NZT)
Whitelock and Retallick set to bring up special milestone at Twickenham
It's fitting that such a special contributor to All Blacks rugby in Brodie Retallick should get to mark his 100th Test by also claiming the world record for most Tests as a locking combination with Sam Whitelock, when they play England on Sunday (NZT).
PREVIEW: All Blacks v Scotland (Edinburgh)
The All Blacks will look to continue their 31-match unbeaten run against Scotland when they clash at the iconic Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Monday morning (NZT).
Whitelock en route to join All Blacks in Japan
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock flew out of Christchurch on Wednesday morning to join the side in Japan, but it is a fair guess he will avoid trampolines during the All Blacks' northern hemisphere tour.
All Blacks turn attention to Northern Tour
Locking away the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup for another year was one thing, but advancing on those achievements on their northern tour of Japan and Europe would be vital for the All Blacks.

Samuel Whitelock Videos

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Samuel Whitelock Unplugged: Stories from the Locker Room
Following his retirement from rugby, take an inside look at the life and times…
In the sheds after RWC final heartbreak | Front Row Daily Show
Hear from Samuel Whitelock, Aaron Smith and Brodie Retallick after the…
New Zealand v Italy REACTION | Front Row Daily Show
George interviews All Blacks Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Mark Tele’a and Dalton…
Samuel Whitelock speaks ahead of his record-breaking Test against Italy | Front Row Daily Show
Andy Ellis sits down with Samuel Whitelock to reflect on the beginnings of his…
Jase Ryan discusses new All Blacks captain | Press Conference (Cardiff)
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan speaks with the media at the team hotel on…
All Blacks in their own words: The season so far
"When we are going through those hard times, we just need to trust the man next…
Ian Foster & Sam Whitelock react to Bledisloe Two
Hear from coach and captain following the win at Eden Park.
Sam Whitelock & Sam Cane Press Conference (Johannesburg)
Sam Whitelock and Sam Cane speak to media the morning after the All Blacks 35…
Sam Whitelock gives the lowdown on Ellis Park showdown
Sam Whitelock speaks to media after Captain's Run in Johannesburg.
The Strength Within the All Blacks | Trust
Trust between team mates is key to driving performance.
Sam Whitelock looks ahead to first South Africa Test
Sam Whitelock speaks to the media at the start of the week in Nelspruit.
Is this the All Blacks GREATEST ever comeback?
Re-live the tension and drama of the famous comeback victory to defeat Ireland…
RD 6 HIGHLIGHTS | Wellington v Canterbury (Bunnings NPC 2021)
Catch up on all the action from a golden point clash between Wellington and…
This is what the Freedom Cup means
As we approach the 100th Test, find out from the players what the Freedom Cup…
HIGHLIGHTS: All Blacks v Tonga (Steinlager Series 2021)
Catch up on all the highlights from the All Blacks opening Test of 2021 against…
The All Blacks first gym session of 2021
Go inside the gym as the All Blacks shift some heavy tin.
Best of the Bledisloe: 2020
Catch up on the best moments from the 2020 Bledisloe Cup series between the All…
Sam Whitelock hits 150 games for the Crusaders
Look back at Sam Whitelock's storied career in the red and black jersey.
Sam Whitelock back at Crusaders training
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock returned to training with the Crusaders this week…
We will be ready to play again
While the world waits...let's remember, now is the time to keep moving, to pull…