Luke Whitelock. Photo: GettyFrench club Pau have continued their raid of New Zealand talent after signing Luke Whitelock on a reported three-year deal. The seven test All Blacks No 8 and Highlanders co-captain will be a somewhat surprising deflection. Reports from France instead suggest Pau coach Simon Mannix and president Bernard Pontneau have lured Whitelock to join All Blacks fullback and fellow Highlander Ben Smith next season. Whitelock is the latest example of valuable, experienced fringe All Blacks being picked off in World Cup year.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 14, 2019 18:56 UTC