NZ Rugby reveals Sam Whitelock could return for Crusaders this year

New Zealand Rugby have revealed All Blacks star Sam Whitelock could make a surprise return to the Crusaders should any form of Super Rugby take place this year.

A strong candidate to become Kieran Read’s successor as All Blacks captain, Whitelock had been playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights on a one-season sabbatical in the Top League in Japan as part of his new four-year contract with NZR.

His campaign with Robbie Deans’ side was cut short, though, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and a leading NZR official confirmed earlier this week that the 117-test veteran will be available to return to Super Rugby in a restructured format.

[Source: Rugby Pass]