Sam Whitelock came off after only 48 minutes of play during Pau’s defeat at La Rochelle (25-23) on Saturday. The All Blacks second row suffered a concussion. As it was the second in less than 12 months – after that suffered just after his arrival in Pau and having postponed his debut under his new colors by a few weeks – there was concern. A break of at least three weeks was mentioned, which meant that the man with 153 caps for New Zealand would not play again. He announced that he was ending his career at the end of the season.
A 12-day shutdown
There is nevertheless hope of seeing Sam Whitelock (35 years old) on the field again. The double world champion, who did not respond favorably to the concussion protocol passed with the match doctor (HIA 1), will have to observe twelve days of rest and undergo an interview with an expert neurologist as provided for in the new, more individualized monitoring. As Pau travels to Racing on June 1 (3 p.m.), Sam Whitelock could play this meeting if he obtains the green light from the neurologist.
