All Black Sam Whitelock replaces Kieran Read as Crusaders captain
Sunday 18 December 2016 12:38, UK
All Blacks second-row Sam Whitelock has been named as Crusaders skipper for the 2017 season with Kieran Read relinquishing the captaincy to concentrate on his New Zealand leadership.
Read, 31, was named All Blacks captain following the retirement of flanker Richie McCaw after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and has also led the Crusaders in that time.
Whitelock has lined out 84 times for the All Blacks, forging a formidable second-row partnership with Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick on the international scene.
"When I think about the players who have previously captained Crusaders, I feel honoured to be included in such company," said Whitelock.
"It is a big responsibility to continue the excellent leadership that this team has always had, but I am fortunate that there is a lot of experience and leadership already in this 2017 group so I know that I will be well supported.
"I'm excited about the squad we have assembled for next year's competition and I hope I can contribute to a really successful season."
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who oversaw a quarter-final Super Rugby exit during the 2016 season, praised both Whitelock and Read in confirming the news.
"This year we want him [Whitelock] to fully step into the role," said Robertson. "Sam is a natural leader in this group, so it will be an easy transition.
"Kieran has been an excellent captain, he is a courageous leader who the players admire and love, but this will allow Kieran to focus on just playing and enjoying himself in the Crusaders environment, rather than juggling the responsibility of being both All Blacks and Crusaders captain.
"It also allow Sam to really take ownership of this position and influence the team in his own way.
"He brings fantastic team spirit, has a huge amount of 'mana' from his peers, and really leads the team culture through his actions."
Whitelock, 28, has made 101 appearances for the Crusaders since 2008 and is likely to face the British and Irish Lions alongside national skipper Read next summer.
