Sam Cane the captain of New Zealand, said on Monday that he will retire from Test rugby at the end of 2024, capping a 12-year international career that included a World Cup victory.
Having played 95 Tests – 27 as captain – the 32-year-old has decided to focus on spending more time with family and sign a long-term contract with Suntory Goliath in Tokyo, New Zealand Rugby stated in a statement.
Since South Africa defeated the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final last year, the team has not played, and Sam Cane had already taken a sabbatical in Japan. Cane stated that the opportunity to sign a three-year contract with the affluent Tokyo club was too good to refuse.
Sam Cane to retire from Test rugby in best decision for his family
It was a very hard one because I love the teams that I represent here in New Zealand. Sam Cane has announced his decision to retire from Test cricket at the end of 2024, some 12 years after making his All Blacks debut.
As arranged, Sam Cane, who is on sabbatical and eligible to be selected for the All Blacks in 2024, will return home at the conclusion of the current Japanese club season. Sam, I’m grateful for all the years and moments you’ve shared with the black jersey. Complete legend.
However, he did not always have an easy time leading the All Blacks after replacing Kieran Read as captain in 2020. Cane had moments of poor form and was substituted in the 28th minute in the Rugby World Cup final the previous year. There had been calls for his dismissal due to the threat posed by players like Ardie Savea and Dalton Papalii.
I genuinely appreciate the opportunity I got to wear the captain’s armband. It was a great pleasure and privilege, and Cane learned a lot from it as well as experienced personal growth. It’s part of the natural process that happens in rugby, Cane stated. I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege Rugby News the daily rugby
Sam Cane, the captain of New Zealand, said that he will leave the game at the end of 2024 after agreeing to a three-year contract with Suntory Sungoliath of Japan. At the conclusion of the Japanese season this summer, Cane will rejoin the team and be available to play for the All Blacks for the remainder of the season.
Sam Cane to retire from Test rugby and pursue club career in Japan
Following New Zealand Rugby’s external agreement to release him from the last year of his contract, which extended to the end of 2025, the 32-year-old will subsequently return to Japan.
Cane stated, I was given a great opportunity when Suntory Sungoliath offered me a three-year contract. I had to consider all the options, and ultimately, it seemed like the best course of action to help establish our future as a young family.
Making his All Blacks debut in 2012, the flanker has participated in 95 Test matches, 27 of which he has captained, and he assisted his nation in winning the 2015 World Cup.
However, after New Zealand’s 2023 tournament loss to South Africa, he became the first male player in World Cup history to be sent off in a final. Since then, the All Blacks have not participated in a match, and Cane will not lead them when they play next. “That’s just a part of the way rugby works naturally.
I will remain true to myself even if I have the good fortune to be selected for the All Blacks this year. Cane became a Suntory Sungoliath employee last year after choosing to exercise his Waikato Chiefs contract’s sabbatical option.
Sam Cane, the captain of New Zealand, said on May 13 that he will retire from Test rugby at the end of 2024, ending a 12-year international career that included a World Cup victory.
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