Sam Whitelock joins Barbarians squad for Fiji clash

English Woman's Journal - Sam Whitelock joins Barbarians squad for Fiji clash

SPORTS 14.06.2024

Sam Whitelock joins Barbarians squad for Fiji clash / Photo: MICHAEL BRADLEY - AFP/File

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Sam Whitelock has been added to the Barbarians squad for next week's match against Fiji at Twickenham.

Change text size:

The 35-year-old lock, the most-capped player in New Zealand's history, played his final game of professional club rugby for French Top 14 side Pau last weekend.

Whitelock played 153 times for the All Blacks and won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015, winning seven straight Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders from 2017 to 2023.

He joined French Top 14 side Pau for the 2023/24 campaign, scoring a try in his last appearance in a 36-24 win against Perpignan.

Whitelock, who has never played for the Barbarians, said he was delighted to have the chance to feature for the famous invitational side.

"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," he said.

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

Other players in the Barbarians squad, led by New Zealander Robbie Deans, include England internationals Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Jonny May and Kyle Sinckler.

The match against the World Cup quarter-finalists Fiji at Twickenham, the home of English rugby, follows a Test between South Africa and Wales earlier in the day.

P.Munro--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.