New Zealand record cap Sam Whitelock to hang up rugby boots at end of season

02.04.2024 - 18:11 breakingnews.ie

New Zealand’s record cap holder Sam Whitelock has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season. The 35-year-old lock, who currently plays for French club Pau, will call time on his career when the Top 14 campaign finishes.

Whitelock won 153 caps for the All Blacks, a figure only bettered in the international men’s game by former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones.

Whitelock began his professional career with Canterbury in 2008 and was part of two World Cup-winning teams. “I have been having a few conversations with my wife Hannah and the kids around what the future looks like for us and it is time to finish the playing chapter of rugby,” Whitelock said, on the All Blacks’ official website. “I think if you talk to anyone who has played for a long time, that desire (to compete) never leaves, it’s just that stage of life when you move on.” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson added: “Sam is an immortal of our incredible game.

In terms of his rugby, Sam’s impact has been immense, both mentally and physically over four World Cup cycles. “He is a winner who rose to any occasion as his competitive spirit drove him to the highest level of performance.”

All Blacks Alun Wyn Jones Scott Robertson Sam Whitelock France New Zealand

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Streaming 2nd T20I Live Streaming: After the series-opener was washed out on Thursday, Pakistan and New Zealand will square off in the second T20I of the five-match series on Saturday. New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss, which had also been delayed by 30 minutes, and opted to bat but no action was possible for two-and-a-half hours. Pakistan handed T20I caps to batsman Usman Khan, spinner Abrar Ahmed and all-rounder Muhammad Irfan Khan, while Robinson debuted for New Zealand. Meanwhile, veteran pacer Mohammam Amir also returned to action after almost four years out, having announced his retirement after fall out with the management back then.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score 2nd T20I Latest Updates

PAK vs NZ Live, 2nd T20I: Pakistan are set to take on New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series in Rawalpindi. However, the focus will be on the weather after the series opener, played at the same venue, was abandoned after two deliveries due to persistent rain. Both teams are expected to field the same playing XIs as initially planned for Thursday's match. However, the focus will be on Mohammad Amir as the veteran Pakistan pacer didn't get the chance to bowl in the washed out game. (Live Scorecard)

Pakistan Trounce Depleted New Zealand In Second T20I

Left-armers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir shared five wickets to rock New Zealand for a paltry 90 before Mohammad Rizwan anchored the chase to help Pakistan win the second Twenty20 clash Saturday in Rawalpindi. Shaheen led the attack with 3-13 while Amir, returning to international cricket after nearly four years, finished with 2-13 as the visitors were bowled out in 18.1 overs after being sent in to bat. Rizwan finished with 45 not out off 34 balls with a six and four boundaries to ensure Pakistan chased down a modest target in 12.1 overs for a seven wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Streaming 1st T20I Live Telecast: Where To Watch Match?

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Streaming 1st T20I Live Telecast: Pakistan take on New Zealand in the first T20I of a five-match series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The series marks the return of Babar Azam as captain after PCB's shock U-turn ended the short-lived reign of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spin all-rounder Imad Wasim also return to international cricket in this series after coming out of retirement. Meanwhile, an understrength New Zealand side arrived in the country at the weekend, having sent a security team last month. (Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st T20I Live Updates)

Foster joins former All Blacks boss Hansen at Toyota Verblitz

Former New Zealand boss Ian Foster has been appointed coach of Japanese side Toyota Verblitz six months after taking the All Blacks to the World Cup final.

Barrett signs New Zealand extension, confirms Leinster stint

Utility back Jordie Barrett has signed a contract extension with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) until 2028 but confirmed he will join Irish side Leinster on a six-month sabbatical in December once his All Blacks commitments are completed in 2024.