Sam Whitelock, the most capped player in the illustrious history of New Zealand rugby, will retire from the professional game at the end of the French club season in June, his country's federation announced on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old played 153 times for the All Blacks and won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015.

He narrowly missed out on becoming the first player to win three World Cups when New Zealand were beaten by a single point by South Africa in the final in Paris last year.

Whitelock had come on in the 55th minute of the final, extending his own record for World Cup appearances to 26.

After the final, he joined Pau in France's Top 14 on a two-year contract.

The announcement he is retiring will put an end to speculation that he was set to make a return to Test rugby this year, following a reported approach by new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

"It's time to finish the playing chapter of rugby," Whitelock said in an All Blacks statement.

"I think if you talk to anyone who has played for a long time, that desire [to compete] never leaves, it's just that stage of life when you move on."

Whitelock's overall appearance record places him second only to Alun Wyn Jones of Wales on the all-time list of most-capped internationals.

Robertson, the All Blacks head coach, said: "Sam is an immortal of our incredible game." (AFP)