Cape Town - Crusaders and All Black forward, Sam Whitelock has extended his contract with New Zealand for another four years it was announced on Tuesday.
Whitelock will now be available for his country until 2023.
The lock, capped 108 time for the All Blacks has been at the Crusaders franchise since 2010 and played 136 games for the current Super Rugby champions.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew was ecstatic that the 30-year old had committed himself to both himself and the All Blacks.
“This is a major re-signing for us and we’re absolutely delighted that Sam has chosen to sign a four-year deal. He’s a world-class player, an All Blacks Centurion, the most capped All Blacks lock of all time and he carries immense mana," said Tew.According to the All Blacks website, there are some stipulations in Whitelock's contract. He will play in Japan at the end of 2019 for a short period and will also miss the 2020 Super Rugby season, instead playing in Japan Top14 competition until May 2020.
He can still be selected to play for the All Blacks for the 2020 international season.
“We know our players have a number of choices to make when it comes to where they play their rugby and we have to be flexible when it comes to renegotiating with our leading players, and that’s what we have done with Sam," said Tew.
“He’ll have a short break away with his young family and experience a different culture, before returning to New Zealand. We think having a short playing stint in Japan as part of a long-term, four-year commitment is a win-win for him and us.”
Whitelock thanked New Zealand Rugby for their flexibility regarding his new contract.
“I’m grateful to New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby for their support of myself and my family in making this decision, and I’m really proud to commit to these teams for the next four years," said Whitelock.
