New Zealand behemoth Sam Whitelock will play the final match of his career with the Barbarians on Saturday.
As is often the case, the end of a Rugby World Cup cycle has led to a number of players announcing their retirement from test rugby in 2023.
Sam Whitelock, All Black lock and New Zealand's most capped Test player, may have missed out on becoming the first player to win three World Cup winner's medals, but he left Test rugby with reputation enhanced.
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock deserves to be the first three-time Rugby World Cup winner should New Zealand go all the way in France to claim their fourth world title.
The Crusaders have received a boost on the eve of Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs in Hamilton after Sam Whitelock was named in their starting line-up.
Veteran All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock will be heading to Pau in the Top14 on a two-year deal after the Rugby World Cup in France signalling the end of an illustrious Test career.