The most capped All Black in history speaks for the record about his storied career, spanning three rugby world cup grand finals, nine super rugby finals, and 153 appearances in the black jersey.

After making his debut for New Zealand in 2010, Sam Whitelock was selected for the 2011 rugby world cup campaign, playing in all seven matches and emerging victorious in New Zealand’s first world cup win since 1986. Four years later he played in all seven matches of the 2015 world cup defence, becoming one of just a handful of players to win back-to-back world cups. Whitelock became instrumental to the most successful period of All Blacks rugby in the modern era, and in his retirement year, he topped his career off with a performance for the ages, and a record seven consecutive championships for the Crusaders.

Samuel Whitelock’s record stands alone. In this autobiography he speaks in his own words about leadership, coaching, physical and mental toughness, friends and foes on the footy field, tradition and darkening the jersey, and how family and farming provided the bedrock for his global success.

About the author:
Samuel Whitelock was born and raised on a farm in Manawatu, in New Zealand’s North Island. Known for his humility, work ethic and performance under pressure, Whitelock credits his success to his close-knit family and rural upbringing.

Plying his trade in the second row as an agile, skilful modern-day lock, Whitelock stands alone in the record books.

He was the first All Black to reach 150 caps, and finished on 153 – the second highest number of international appearances of any player. He was captain on 18 occasions. Whitelock has played more Rugby World Cup matches than any other player – 26 – and has appeared in three finals.

He has won 11 Tri-Nations or Rugby Championships, along with a Grand Slam. He has never been on the losing side in a Bledisloe Cup series.

Whitelock has appeared in 181 Super Rugby games, the fourth highest of any player, and has seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders – the most successful team in the competition’s his­tory.