New Zealand rugby captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from Test rugby, set for the end of 2024, concluding a remarkable 12-year career highlighted by a Rugby World Cup victory.
Cane, 32, has been a pivotal figure for the All Blacks, playing 95 Tests, including 27 as captain. His decision to retire follows a storied career and a recent challenging period for the All Blacks.
“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 announced in a statement on Monday.
The announcement comes after a hiatus for Cane, who has been on sabbatical in Japan following the All Blacks’ defeat to South Africa in last year’s Rugby World Cup final. Cane’s new three-year deal with Suntory Goliath offers a lucrative and family-friendly opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.
“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,” Cane explained. “It was a very hard one because I love the teams that I represent here in New Zealand.”
Cane’s career highlights include winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup and securing two Super Rugby championships with the Chiefs. However, his tenure as All Blacks captain, beginning in 2020 after taking over from Kieran Read, has been tumultuous. Cane struggled with form and was notably sent off during the 2023 World Cup final.
Throughout his captaincy, the All Blacks experienced significant challenges, including a historic home series loss to Ireland in 2022 and an unexpected defeat to Argentina in Christchurch. Despite these setbacks, Cane remains proud of his leadership and the growth he experienced.
“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,” Cane reflected.
Almost 12 years since his All Blacks debut, Sam Cane has made the decision to bow out of the Test arena at the end of 2024.
Sam has decided to focus on spending more time with his family and sign a long-term contract with @sungoliath in Tokyo.
As planned, Cane will return home… pic.twitter.com/l1CnYqI1Xj
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) May 13, 2024
New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has expressed his understanding and support for Cane’s decision. “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,” Robertson said.
Cane will return to New Zealand after the current Japanese club season and will be available for selection for the All Blacks for the rest of 2024, albeit no longer as captain. “It’s part of the natural process that happens in rugby,” Cane said. “I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege.”
As Cane prepares for his final season with the All Blacks, his legacy as a resilient and dedicated leader will undoubtedly be remembered.
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