All Blacks' Whitelock to play in France after World Cup

Whitelock said he chose Pau because he could play alongside his brother Luke, the former All Blacks back-rower who joined the French club in 2019.

"Hannah, the kids and myself are going to head to France to play with my little brother Luke," Whitelock said.

"I've had the privilege of playing with family for Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks at different stages and this opportunity was too good to pass up."

Whitelock is the latest of a number of high-profile All Blacks who have announced they will play overseas after the World Cup. 

Five-eighths Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett are heading to Japan later this year.