Whitelock inspired by hero big bro Sam

FRANCE-BASED All Blacks flanker Luke Whitelock is backing his older brother Sam to continue a remarkable family dynasty by making it all the way to the 2023 World Cup.

- NEALE HARVEY

Test swansong: Luke Whitelock on the charge for New Zealand against Japan in 2018

Whitelock, who is 29 and currently playing for Pau, is the youngest of four brothers raised on the family dairy farm at Linton, near Palmerston North on New Zealand’s North Island.

He, Sam and George are All Blacks while Adam starred for New Zealand on the Sevens circuit.

All represented Crusaders in Super Rugby, notably lining up together for the first time against the Bulls in 2013, while Sam, 31, tops the family honours board with 117 caps and two World Cups – and may yet achieve a unique hat-trick if he makes it through to France in 2023.

Luke, who won the last of seven caps against Japan in 2018, told TRP: “We’re all so proud of Samuel who’s had an outstanding career in terms of playing over 100 Tests, 150-odd games for the Crusaders and Canterbury and shows no sign of slowing down yet.

“It’s pretty amazing and in a lot of those international matches he’s gone the distance. When you think of the brutality of some of those Tests, that’s impressive seeing him do that.

“He’s only 31, so if he’s still got the motivation and desire to carry on, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at the next World Cup in France, trying to make up for last year.