New Zealand
George Whitelock heads to Japan
ESPN Staff
June 24, 2014
Canterbury's George Whitelock reads the riot act, Auckland v Canterbury, ITM Cup, Eden Park, Auckland, September 28, 2013
George Whitelock played one Test for the All Blacks, in 2009 © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links

Crusaders stalwart George Whitelock is off to play his rugby in Japan at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Flanker Whitelock, 28, has signed an initial one-year deal with the Panasonic Wild Knights, Crusaders and Canterbury management confirmed on Tuesday. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said Whitelock was a legacy player.

"George's contribution to red and black rugby cannot be underestimated. He is a workhorse, a leader and a highly respected member of the team."

Whitelock first played for the Crusaders in 2008, the first of the three Whitelock brothers, Adam, Sam and Luke, to do so. Canterbury coach Scott Robertson said Whitelock was the only player to captain a side to five successive national provincial titles.

"That is something for George to be immensely proud of, just as we are proud of him," Robertson said. "He has played such an important role in this team's success, but he has also just been a pleasure to work with."

Whitelock's one Test for the All Blacks was as a substitute against Italy in Christchurch in 2009, where he scored a try in the 27-6 win.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices