New Zealand rugby captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from international Tests at the end of 2024, marking the end of a remarkable 12-year career. The 32-year-old All Blacks leader, who has earned 95 caps—27 as captain—has decided to prioritize spending more time with his family and pursue a long-term contract with Tokyo's Suntory Goliath.
Cane’s decision comes after a World Cup victory in 2015 and leading his team to the final in the last tournament, where they faced defeat against South Africa. Having taken a sabbatical in Japan, Cane found the opportunity to join a high-profile Tokyo club too compelling to decline.
“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 stated. “It was a very hard one because I love the teams that I represent here in New Zealand.”
Throughout his tenure, Cane has been a pivotal figure in the All Blacks' successes, including two Super Rugby championships with the Waikato Chiefs. Transitioning from Kieran Read’s leadership in 2020, his tenure as captain wasn’t without challenges, but his contributions have left an indelible mark on New Zealand rugby.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
