New Zealand rugby captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from international rugby, with plans to conclude his career at the end of 2024 after signing a three-year deal with Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.
Cane, 32, will return from his stint with the club at the conclusion of the Japanese season this summer, making him eligible to play for the All Blacks for the remainder of the year. Following this, he will head back to Japan after New Zealand Rugby agreed to release him from the final year of his contract, which originally ran through until the end of 2025.
“A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract,” stated Cane. “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 made his All Blacks debut in 2012, Cane boasts an impressive career record, with 95 Tests under his belt, including 27 as captain. He played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s triumph at the 2015 World Cup, although he also faced challenges, becoming the first male player in World Cup history to be sent off in a final during the team’s defeat by South Africa in the 2023 tournament.
Reflecting on his time as captain, Cane expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the natural progression in rugby. “It’s part of the natural process that happens in rugby,” he remarked. “I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege.”
New Zealand Rugby coach Scott Robertson extended his support to Cane’s decision, stating, “After discussing this at length with Sam, I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him.” Cane initially joined Suntory Sungoliath last year during a sabbatical from his Waikato Chiefs contract, marking the beginning of his transition towards a new chapter in his rugby career.
