With one of the highest work rates in South African rugby, it was widely expected that Warren Whiteley would go on to enjoy longevity at the highest level of the game.
But sadly, injury curtailed his international career.
The Lions No 8, who turns 38 today, was a strong tackler – completing the most tackles in the 2015 Super Rugby season – a solid lineout option due to his height, but also had a great turn of speed which made him a great link between forwards and backs.
Those qualities earned him a call-up to the Springbok squad in 2014 and he made his debut off the bench against the Wallabies at the Subiaco Oval in Perth. He then got another cap off the bench against the All Blacks in the 14-10 loss in Wellington a week later.
The latter half of his 2015 season was cut short by injury, so he only featured in one Test. But from 2016, Whiteley became a fixture in the Bok setup and captained the side in two consecutive Tests against France in 2017.
Whiteley’s 23rd and final Test came on 10 November 2018 against France in Paris, which the Boks won 29-26.
He scored three tries for the Springboks – the first of those coming at his home ground Ellis Park against Ireland in 2016.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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