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Alumni Catchup: Adam Whitelock

Adam Whitelock in action for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes in 2013. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

 

As a young kid growing up on a dairy farm in Manawatu, Adam Whitelock could never have dreamt where a rugby ball would take him, nor could he have known how well the game would prepare him for life after rugby.

 

Adam, the second of four Whitelock boys to pursue rugby in Christchurch, initially linked up with High School Old Boys. With the help of Crusaders academy manager Matt Sexton, Whitelock made his way into the Crusaders Academy, which led to 6 years with the Crusaders where he got the chance to play alongside all three of his brothers.

 

Representing New Zealand in Rugby Sevens was another career highlight for the now 35 year old, winning the World Title in 2014. At the end of 2014, Adam headed to France, playing almost 4 years in the Top 14 and Pro D2 for Aviron Bayonnaise.

 

Adam Whitelock outruns Pedro Leal Portugal during the IRB Glasgow Sevens - Day One at Scotstoun Stadium on May 3, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

 

 

Adam and wife Tiffany made their way back to Christchurch (Tiffany’s hometown) to raise their family as Adam embarked on the next stage of his career.

 

Initially going into the family business of dairy farming, Adam found many similarities in playing professional rugby - doing the same thing over and over and becoming better at it.

 

However, Adam found adjusting to the remoteness on a farm difficult after coming from such a connected, team-led environment. Adam left the farm and ventured into rural banking and has now has started a career in Rural Real Estate with Bayleys.

 

Speaking of his career change, Whitelock said,

 

“I’m really enjoying the opportunities there are in Real Estate, I’m in the rural community, connecting with people, helping them achieve their goals and subsequently mine too."

 

It hasn’t all been plain sailing though after 10 years in a professional rugby environment, the transition out of rugby has come with its challenges.


“I’ve been lucky enough to make a career out of rugby, playing in some of the best competitions in the world. But it can be quite daunting to lock yourself into one thing. Most people make those decisions in their late teens, go to Uni and then head off on their path, so by the time they get to my age they’re settled, and I guess you have to start at the bottom again, so that’s a challenge.”

 

Adam hasn’t completely left the game behind, helping out with Christ’s College Second XV over the past couple of years and Hurunui seniors, who play in the North Canterbury competition.

 

“We’ve got a family connection in North Canterbury, so it’s cool to be involved from time to time up there, when it fits in with family commitments”


Adam has kindly given up some of his time to support growing the Crusaders Alumni by sitting on the steering group and helping out with some community speaking events from time to time.

 

We look forward to seeing Adams career in Real Estate grow and encourage alumni to get in touch with Adam should you or know someone looking to buy or sell a rural property.

 

GET IN TOUCH WITH ADAM