Once a Crusader, always a Crusader...but the Super Rugby franchise have played down suggestions Sam Whitelock could be back in their colours again

It comes after the New Zealand Herald's shock revelation that All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has reached out to Whitelock to restart his 153 test career which was seemingly over when he moved to French club Pau.

But that's understood to have an option in Whitelock's favour and the Crusaders appeal as a likely landing base given Whitelock accumulated 182 games at the side between 2010 and 2023.

But Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says Whitelock left an enduring legacy at the side, but as far as they know he's under a two-year contract with Pau.

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