Sam Whitelock to join Barbarians for Killik Cup clash against Fiji

All Blacks great Sam Whitelock will be joining Barbarians squad for the upcoming Killik Cup clash against Fiji to be played on 22nd June at Twickenham Stadium.

The 35-year-old has announced that he will be retiring from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season where he represents French club Pau.

The 35-year-old started his professional rugby with Canterbury in 2008 and made his Super Rugby debut with Crusaders in 2010. He helped the club win the title five times and moved to Pau in 2023.

He made his New Zealand debut in 2010 and has racked up 153 Test appearances for the club making him the second most capped player in World Rugby history after former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, who has 170 Test caps.

Whitelock also represented New Zealand in four World Cups while going on to win the title on two occasions in 2011 and 2015.

“I’ve always wanted to represent the Barbarians, so I am delighted that now I have the opportunity to do it,” he told the club's official website.

“I can’t wait to experience a week with the BaaBaas, and it’s very exciting for me to be doing something for the first time after such a long career in rugby so far.

“The Barbarians is a select group; you have to be invited to play, and to get that invitation now is very humbling.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know a few of the guys I have played against throughout my career. Spending a week with the group will be special – it’s always great to get to know different people, different cultures and different ways of doing things, with the backdrop of an important match at the end of the week.

“The Barbarians play a fantastic style of rugby as well, they’re never afraid to try a few things and I am sure it will be the same again this time around.”