New Zealand captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from international rugby, effective at the end of 2024, following the signing of a three-year deal with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.
Cane will complete the current Japanese season this summer before returning to be eligible for the All Blacks for the remainder of the year. Following this, the 32-year-old will head back to Japan after New Zealand Rugby agreed to release him from the final year of his contract, originally scheduled until the end of 2025.
Explaining his decision, Cane stated, “A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract. 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.”
Having debuted for the All Blacks in 2012, Cane has amassed 95 Tests, including 27 as captain, and contributed to New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup victory. However, his career also saw challenges, notably becoming the first male player in World Cup history to be sent off in a final during the 2023 tournament’s defeat by South Africa.
With the All Blacks yet to play since then, Cane acknowledges the transition, stating, “It’s part of the natural process that happens in rugby. I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege. If I’m fortunate enough to be selected in the All Blacks this year, then I’ll still be myself.”
Cane’s journey to Suntory Sungoliath began last year when he exercised a sabbatical option in his Waikato Chiefs contract. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson expressed support for Cane’s decision, stating, “After discussing this at length with Sam, I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him.”
