A bye week for the champion Crusaders is the perfect opportunity for senior lock and two-time World Cup-winning All Black Sam Whitelock to share the importance of rest, relaxation and dealing with pressure. The 32-year-old who grew up on a dairy farm in the Manawatu will be at the South Island Agricultural Field Days in Kirwee as part of his role as a Farmstrong ambassador.
Whitelock, who has been a Farmstrong ambassador since 2016, sees a lot of parallels between rugby and farming.
“I know the challenges farmers regularly face with weather events, production targets, fluctuating prices and changing regulations. I reckon rugby and farming are similar in that way; there are always results you need to achieve, whatever the conditions. Dealing with disappointment when things don't go according to plan is also a challenge for both.”
“Being a professional athlete has certainly taught me that investing up front in your wellbeing is vital for times when you are under the pump and need to draw on it; it’s no different in farming. Once I complete my rugby career I’ll be heading back to the land. When I do, I’ll continue applying all that I have been sharing and learning through Farmstrong.”
Whitelock will be at the FMG site, number 570, on Friday sharing stories and taking photos with farmers, growers and the general public before heading along to the JJ site at number 213 where he’ll get amongst the impressive line-up of Fendt and Massey Ferguson tractors.
Former All Black Richard Loe will also feature at South Island Agricultural Field Days, broadcasting his rural radio show REX (Rural Exchange) alongside co-host Hamish McKay. The pair will be onsite with Carter’s Tyres as well as mixing and mingling with the various exhibitors.