In a dramatic announcement, All Blacks captain Sam Cane has stated that this year will be his last with the national team after signing a long-term contract with his Japanese club Suntory Goliath.
It means he will not serve out the final year on his New Zealand Rugby contract (2025), preferring to set himself and his family up financially with a three-year deal with Suntory.
In what is an unprecedented move from an All Blacks captain, it also means he will give up the role as new head coach Scott Robertson plans for the future. Scott Barrett and Ardie Savea will be favourites to take over.
Cane, 32, has played 95 Tests, with 27 as captain.
“I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege,” Cane said.
In a dramatic announcement, Cane signs long-term deal with Suntory and says this year will be his last as an All Black. (Source: 1News)
In an admission that there were no guarantees he would be selected by Robertson, Cane added: “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.”
In a statement provided by the Chiefs, Cane said he would move to Tokyo with his wife Harriet and two-year-old son Hudson in 2025. Cane said he and Harriet were also expecting a second child.
Cane enjoyed plenty of highlights during his tenure but an enduring memory will be his anguish after being sent off during last year's World Cup final in Paris, won by the Springboks 12-11.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said: “After discussing this at length with Sam, 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.”
Cane, who made his All Blacks debut in 2012, said: “A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract.
“It was something we had to seriously consider as a family due to the stage I am at in my career. It will see me through to 2027 when I’ll have my 35th birthday.
“I’ve always thought that if I can play professional rugby for that length of time I’d be doing really well considering the position I play and the age that I started playing professionally.
“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. It was a very hard one because I love the teams that I represent here in New Zealand.
“We obviously love this country, we love being around friends and family but we ultimately made the decision to sign with Suntory, which we’re really excited about. We have enjoyed our first year there and we just thought it was the best thing for our young family.”
Cane said being more available to his family was a big drawcard. The longest stint away from home is just one night during the Japanese club competition.
“The fact that Hudson is getting older, he understands when I’m going away but doesn’t understand why. In Japan we’ll get to spend so much time together as a family,” Cane added.
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