Barbarian F.C. are delighted to announce that two-time Rugby World Cup winner Sam Whitelock will join up with the squad for next weekend’s Killik Cup clash against Fiji.
The 35-year-old lock holds New Zealand’s all-time record for Test appearances (153), but will make his BaaBaas debut against Fiji on Saturday 22 June at Twickenham Stadium.
Whitelock, 35, holds the record for the most Test appearances for New Zealand with 153 to his name, and is second only to another Barbarian, Alun Wyn Jones, on the all-time list of international caps.
The 6’8”, 117kg lock twice won the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks (playing every single match in 2011 and 2015), also reaching the semi-finals and final of the competition in 2019 and 2023 respectively – and is certain to be remembered amongst rugby’s greatest-ever players when he hangs up his boots.
He was the fastest player ever to reach 100 international appearances, achieving the feat eight years and two months after his Test debut (which came back in 2010), and captained New Zealand 18 times after first leading the side in 2017.
At club level, Whitelock also won seven straight Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders from 2017 to 2023, and has represented Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan (2020) as well as French Top14 side Section Paloise over the 2023/24 campaign.
Whitelock announced his retirement from playing at the end of this season back in April, but will run out in the world-famous Black and White hoops for the first time in his career next Saturday (22 June, kick-off: 5.15pm), when the BaaBaas lock horns with the Flying Fijians at Twickenham Stadium.
“I’ve always wanted to represent the Barbarians, so I am delighted that now I have the opportunity to do it,” he said.
“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.
“The Barbarians is a select group; you have to be invited to play, and to get that invitation now is very humbling.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know a few of the guys I have played against throughout my career. Spending a week with the group will be special – it’s always great to get to know different people, different cultures and different ways of doing things, with the backdrop of an important match at the end of the week.
The Barbarians play a fantastic style of rugby as well, they’re never afraid to try a few things and I am sure it will be the same again this time around.
Barbarian F.C. will be packed full of talent in next weekend’s blockbuster clash against Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists Fiji, with the likes of Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, and Kyle Sinckler all signed up to represent the world-famous invitational side – who will be led by Kiwi coach Robbie Deans.
Over 60,000 people have already secured their seats for the biggest rugby showcase of the summer. Tickets for the clash are on sale now from Ticketmaster, Ticketek or the RFU and also include entry to the Qatar Airways Cup showdown between South Africa and Wales. The two international heavyweights go toe-to-toe at 2.00pm, ahead of Barbarians vs Fiji.
Whitelock added: “I’ve been playing rugby since I was three years old, and while my playing career is coming to an end, I know the sport will always be there for me – whether that’s in coaching, playing in fundraising matches, or whatever else might be ahead of me.
I’m looking forward to seeing what that looks like, but for now I am just really looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Barbarians, as it’s something I’ve never done before and a chance that does not come around often.
“It’s going to be an incredible day at Twickenham. Everyone that comes along is going to get two international matches for the price of one, which is pretty cool, and there’s going to be some awesome players out there showing the world what they’re capable of.
“I’m sure there will be some brilliant rugby played so I’m really excited to be involved.”
Ticket details
General admission tickets for the 2024 Killik Cup and Qatar Airways Cup matches are on sale now – visit Ticketmaster, Ticketek
Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales (K.O. 2pm) and Barbarians vs Fiji (K.O. 5.15pm) on Saturday 22 June. For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/
Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person – visit www.twickenhamstadium.
