He has made significant contributions to the sport, playing over 100 tests for New Zealand since his debut in 2010, making him the youngest New Zealander to reach this milestone.
Whitelock is also the fastest player ever to reach 100 international appearances, achieving this feat eight years and 2 months after his test debut.Â
He won New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year in 2017 and has formed a renowned locking combination with Brodie Retallick. Whitelock currently plays for Pau in the Top 14 competition.
Here, you can find Samuel Whitelock’s net worth, salary, career earnings, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Samuel Whitelock’s Net Worth Details
Sam Whitelock’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. The All Blacks lock’s prime sources of earnings are his New Zealand rugby union salaries, club salaries, endorsements, and brand promotions.
Salary and Career Earnings
Sam Whitelock is one of the highest-paid All Blacks stars. Playing for the Crusaders, he earns a salary of NZ$700K per season.
| Year | Team | Salary per Season (NZ$) |
| 2023 | Crusaders | 700,000 |
| 2022 | Crusaders | 700,000 |
Endorsements
Samuel Whitelock has been associated with several brands throughout his career.
Since 2019, he has been a brand ambassador for Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation.
The company extended its long-term brand partnership with Whitelock in 2022, allowing him to continue representing the brand until March 2025.
In addition to Massey Ferguson, Whitelock has also teamed up with Corteva Agriscience.
About Samuel Whitelock
| Full name | Samuel Laurence Whitelock |
| Nickname | Sammy |
| Date of birth | 12 October 1988 |
| Place of birth | Palmerston North, New Zealand |
| Height | 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 117 kg (258 lb; 18 st 6 lb) |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Current Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Hannah Lawton |
| Instagram Profile | @samuelwhitelock |
Samuel Lawrence Whitelock was born on October 12, 1988, in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
He comes from a family deeply rooted in rugby, with his brothers George, Luke, and Adam also making their mark in the sport.
His passion for rugby was evident from a young age, and he quickly emerged as a prodigious talent with immense potential.
Club Career
Whitelock began his professional rugby career in 2008, making his debut for Canterbury. Two years later, he was selected to play for the Crusaders in Super Rugby.
Throughout his career, Whitelock has represented both sides with distinction.
He has amassed more than 160 appearances for the Crusaders, during which he has won the Super Rugby title three times.
In 2016, Whitelock made his 100th appearance for the Crusaders, scoring the opening try of their 85-26 thrashing of the Melbourne Rebels.
In addition to his stellar career in New Zealand, he also enjoyed a brief spell with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan in 2020.
International Career
Whitelock debuted for the New Zealand All Blacks national team in 2010, replacing Brad Thorn off the bench against Ireland, and scored 2 tries.
New Zealand has capped him more than 120 times, making him one of the most decorated international rugby players ever.
He is one of a small band of men who have won the Rugby World Cup twice (2011 and 2015) and the Rugby Championship multiple times.
Whitelock was also part of the world championship-winning team, the Baby All Blacks, at the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship.
Wife
Sam Whitelock, a renowned New Zealand rugby union player, is married to Hannah Lawton. They married in 2016 and have 3 children.
Hannah and Sam reportedly met as students in 2008 at Lincoln University in Christchurch, and Sam proposed during a holiday in Rarotonga.
Career Stats
| Category | Details |
| Rugby Union Career | 2008 – Present |
| Teams | New Zealand, Canterbury, Crusaders, Pau, Panasonic Wild Knights |
| Position | Lock |
| Test Debut | 2010 |
| Total Test Caps | 152 (most capped All Black) |
| Test Tries | 6 |
| Rugby World Cup Wins | 2011, 2015 |
| Super Rugby Titles | 3 |
| New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year | 2017 |
| Captaincy | Captained the All Blacks 18 times |
FAQs
Who is Samuel Whitelock?
Samuel Whitelock is a former New Zealand rugby union player known for his role as a lock. He played for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and the All Blacks national team. He was born on October 12, 1988, in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
When did Sam Whitelock start his professional rugby career?
Sam began his professional rugby career in 2008 with Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2010 and his international debut for the All Blacks the same year.
What are some of Sam Whitelock’s career highlights?
Sam has had an illustrious career with numerous highlights, including winning the Rugby World Cup twice (2011 and 2015), being named New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year in 2017, and becoming the fastest player to reach 100 international appearances.
How many caps does Sam Whitelock have for the All Blacks?
Sam Whitelock has earned over 150 caps for the All Blacks, making him the most-capped All Blacks lock of all time and the second-most-capped player in New Zealand rugby history.
What teams has Sam Whitelock played for?
Besides the All Blacks, Sam has played for Canterbury in provincial rugby, the Crusaders in Super Rugby, and had a stint with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan. He currently plays for Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées in France.
What is Sam Whitelock known for on the rugby field?
Sam is known for his physicality, athleticism, and leadership. As a lock, he excels in lineouts, scrummaging, and open play. His ability to lead and consistent performance have made him a key player for every team he’s been part of.
Has Sam Whitelock captained the All Blacks?
Sam has captained the All Blacks several times, including during the 2017 and 2018 seasons when regular captain Kieran Read was injured. He also led the team in the 2021 Steinlager Series.
What is Sam Whitelock’s family background in rugby?
Sam comes from a rugby dynasty. His brothers George, Adam, and Luke have all played professional rugby, with George and Luke also representing the All Blacks. His father, Braeden Whitelock, played for the Junior All Blacks, and his grandfather, Nelson Dalzell, played for the All Blacks.
What are Sam Whitelock’s physical stats?
Sam stands at 2.02 meters (6 feet 8 inches) tall and weighs around 120 kg (264 pounds). His size and strength are significant assets in his role as a lock.
What are Sam Whitelock’s plans after retirement?
Sam announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the 2024 season. He plans to focus on farming, a trade he has been involved in alongside his rugby career. He is also expected to remain a significant figure in New Zealand rugby, possibly in coaching or mentoring roles.
