Celebrating legacy of a rugby legend

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

As the sun sets on the illustrious career of Sam Whitelock, rugby in New Zealand finds itself at a crossroads. For Scott Robertson, the new All Blacks coach, the path ahead just became more challenging.

The man who won hundreds of lineouts for the All Blacks, had a knack for making the right play at exactly the right time, gave 100 percent every minute, and produced the unforgettable turnover to thwart Ireland’s 37-phase effort and rescue last year’s World Cup quarter-final, is finally hanging up his boots. His retirement leaves a void in the All Blacks that will be difficult to fill.

Last month Robertson approached Whitelock to come back to New Zealand and resume his 153-test career. He could have played a pivotal role in developing the next generation of locks, particularly with an eye towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Even in his retirement, Whitelock’s influence will loom large, a reminder of the standards of excellence that define the All Blacks. In a career spanning 17 years, he carved his name into rugby history. His list of achievements reads like a litany of rugby greatness:

■ Most-capped All Black and second on the list of most-capped internationals with 153 tests.

■ Won two Rugby World Cups, the 2011 and 2015 victories over France and Australia.

■ Played in 26 Rugby World Cup matches, four more than the next best, Richie McCaw.

■ Won 125 of his 153 tests, lost 22, drew six.

■ Won seven straight Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders (2017 to 2023) and was named Man of the Final in 2022 and 2023.

■ Won the Tri-Nations/Rugby Championships 11 times (2012 to 2018, 2020 to 2023).

■ Retained the Bledisloe Cup on 14 occasions.

■ New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year in 2017.

Yet, it is not merely the statistics that define Whitelock’s legacy. Beyond the numbers lies a man of character — integrity, humility and sportsmanship.

His decision to retire stems not from waning ability, but from a desire to embrace new beginnings, enriched by the joys of family.

His last game for the All Blacks was a third World Cup final, the 12-11 loss to South Africa in Paris, and, as accolades pour in, one sentiment echoes with resounding clarity: Whitelock is among the greatest All Blacks of all time. His legacy will endure for generations.

As the curtain falls on his career, let us pause to celebrate him. Though he departs the field, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift, reminding us all of the heights that can be reached through dedication, perseverance and a commitment to excellence. — NZH