New Zealand skipper Sam Cane will end his test rugby career at the end of the year and give up his captaincy of the All Blacks with immediate effect.
The 32-year-old will be granted release from his New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contract a year early to take up a full-time playing opportunity in Japan.
“A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract,” said Cane on the All Blacks website.
“I had to weigh up everything and, in the end, with a young family it seemed like the best decision to help set up our future.
“If I’m fortunate enough to be selected in the All Blacks this year then I’ll still be myself. I love that team and I just want to see the All Blacks do well, so if part of my role is contributing leadership off the field or on the field, I’ll be happy to support the new captain as best as I can to help make it a smooth transition for the All Blacks.
“I’m really grateful for the time that I had to wear the captain’s armband. It was a huge honour and privilege – a lot of lessons out of it and growth.”
The move brings to an end a dozen-year international career for the openside, who has earned 95 caps for his country since his debut as a 20-year-old against Ireland.
After nailing down his place in the starting XV with Richie McCaw on sabbatical in 2013, Cane developed a reputation for having a high work rate and impressive try-scoring ability. He scored five times that year and twice during New Zealand’s run to winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Eye-catching performances in 2017, both during the Lions Test series and the All Blacks tour of Europe, helped Cane become a favourite for his nation, and he eventually ascended to the captaincy in 2020.
He faced criticism in some quarters with mixed form and fitness leading up to last year’s World Cup, and though he came back with some excellent performances as the tournament progressed he received the first-ever red card in a World Cup final, which was crucial to handing South Africa their narrow win.
Cane will nonetheless join McCaw and Kieran Read in the history books as talismanic back rowers to have captained the country, and new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson paid tribute to the Rotoruan.
“After discussing this at length with Sam,” he said. “I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him.
“The position he plays asks a lot of you mentally and physically – both of those things ramp up when you are captain. So to do what he’s done over such a long period is an incredible feat. I fully respect him taking this opportunity.”
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