The Section Paloise, currently 8th in the Top 14, announced this Wednesday the extension of New Zealand international third row Luke Whitelock until 2026. The former All Black (33 years old, 7 caps), younger brother of the emblematic second-row Sam Whitelock, who arrived this season in Béarn, is currently playing his fifth season in Pau, where he is captain.
In a statement, the player with 70 Top 14 appearances with the Section said: “I am very happy to stay with the club for two more seasons. I fully share the direction we are taking, we have a good balance in our squad between experienced players and promising young people. I will continue to do my job to raise our standards and continue to advance the club’s project. My family really likes Béarn, we were very well received and it’s like a second home for us now. Honha!”
For his part, manager Sébastien Piqueronies adds that “Luke is a true leader within the team, everywhere and all the time: in training, in matches, by example, by speaking. He embodies the values of our team and our ambition. Our project and our squad can only grow alongside boys like Luke. Happy to write the sequel with you Captain!”
The future of his brother Sam in France, however, is more vague. The new New Zealand coach, Scott Robertson, would indeed like the most capped All Black in history (35 years old, 153 caps) to return to the country to once again wear the black tunic with the silver fern, in order to ensure the transition to the new generation. His contract with the Section runs until 2025 but he has a clause allowing him to leave Béarn before the end of his lease.