2023-11-10 18:59:54
Couple David Reyrat
Published 41 minutes ago, Updated now
Luke Whitelock has been playing at the Pau Section since 2019. Federico Pestellini / Federico Pestellini / Panoramic
The New Zealand third row is the leader of a Pau team which dominates the start of the championship. And impatiently awaits the reinforcement of his big brother, Sam Whitelock, 153 caps with the All Blacks.
In Pau, the captain is an All Black. And his name is Whitelock. But he is not a double world champion like his big brother, Sam, who will join him in Béarn at the beginning of December. Time to recover from his lost World Cup final with New Zealand. In the meantime, it is Luke who stands out, number 8 in a Section which never ceases to surprise. Leader of the Top 14 after five days and before the reception, this Saturday (5 p.m.), of the ambitious UBB.
Landed on the banks of the Gave in the summer of 2019, the third line quickly became essential. 50 matches played in the Top 14, including 47 as a starter. And, now, the captain’s stripes. A habit for the man who already held this position in 2011 when he won the U20 world champion title with the Baby Blacks.
Captain, he was also captain of the province of Canterbury then of the Crusaders franchise, where he played alongside his three brothers, he, the youngest with a halo. “Luke is a natural leader, he has all the qualities. He is held in very high esteem by his teammates. The boys really respect him», justified, at the time, the Canterbury coach. A certain Scott Robertson, now the new coach of the All Blacks.
Sam and Luke Whitelock in the All Blacks jersey in June 2018. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz / Photosport / Panoramic
The silver fern jersey is a family affair since three of the four Whitelocks have worn it. Seven times for him, between 2013 and 2018. Far, it is true, from the phenomenal career of his elder Sam, 153 caps and four participations in the World Cup (for two coronations, in 2011 and 2015). “Being the last, it was quite simple: I had three great examples in front of me (George, third row like him, 1 selection with New Zealand in 2009; Adam, center or winger, and the second row Sam, Editor’s note), he explained recently to Sud-Ouest. It is the culture of the family. My maternal grandfather was already an All Black (Nelson Dalzell, 5 caps in 1953 and 1954) and my father also played for New Zealand, but at U21 level.»
As a good Kiwi, Luke Whitelock shaped his body and mind working on the family farm – his parents are milk producers – and considers rugby to be a very serious thing. Almost sacred. Rigorous, determined, fully committed. A joy for his coaches.
«His level of demands and commitment on the ground pulls the collective to the top.»
Sébastien Piqueronies, manager of Pau
When, in January 2022, the Section naturally extended its contract for two additional seasons, the manager of the Pau club, Sébastien Piqueronies, summarized all his contribution: “Luke is a leader. He occupies an essential place within the group. His level of demands and commitment on the ground pulls the collective to the top. It’s a very good thing to build in the long term with boys of values like him, attached to the territory and the club.»
With additional motivation in a few weeks: accompanying the star of the family for his last challenge at 35 (Luke is three years younger). A prospect which delights the captain of Pau. “I will soon have the chance to play with Sam. He will have a good influence on the group with his immense experience.» And two warn journalists eager for secrets. “We’re not two big talkers…»
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