SYDNEY: All Blacks captain Sam Cane will retire from international rugby at the end of 2024, the team has said. In a statement, New Zealand Rugby that the 32-year-old captain has decided to focus on spending more and more time with his family and signed a long-term contract with Suntory Goliath in Tokyo, Japan. He played 95 Tests — 27 as captain during his international career. However, his retirement is not a surprise for fans and Ruby lovers as New Zealand haven’t played since they were defeated in the by South Africa in Rugby World Cup final last year and Sam Cane was already on a sabbatical in Japan.
Similarly, in a statement, the 32-year-old said that the prospect of a three-year contract with the high-spending club in Japan was too good to pass up. He termed it a very good decision as he wants to spend time with his family.
Sam Cane won the World Cup with All Black in 2015 and has twice been part of Super Rugby championship-winning sides with the Waikato Chiefs. However, his experience since taking over as New Zealand captain from Kieran Read in 2020 was not continuously smooth.
Cane at times struggled with his own form and was sent off during Rugby World Cup final 2023 match in the 28th minute.
During his captaincy All Blacks lost a first Test series at home to Ireland in 2022 and a few weeks later also suffered a shock defeat against Argentina in Christchurch.
He said that he is really grateful for the time that he had to wear the captain’s armband and it was a huge honour for him. Sam Cane will return to his country at the end of the current Japanese club season and will be eligible to be nominated for the All Blacks for the rest of 2024, but will no longer be captain.
