Sam Whitelock, the man with the most caps for New Zealand, will retire this summer.

After South Africa defeated the All Blacks in the World Cup final last autumn, Lock, who had 153 appearances for the team, decided to give up playing rugby internationally.

The 35-year-old, who moved to Top 14 team Pau last year, won back-to-back World Cups in 2011 and 2015.

“It’s time to wrap up the rugby playing chapter,” All Blacks player Jack Whitelock declared.

“I’ve been discussing our future plans with my wife, Hannah, and the kids in a few talks.

“I believe that anyone who has played for a long time will tell you that the desire to compete never goes away; it’s just a stage of life.”