Incumbent All Blacks captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from international rugby.
Currently playing for Suntory in the Japanese Top League, Cane described the decision as ‘a very hard one.’
‘I love playing for the team that I represent here in New Zealand. But that won’t be the case … ultimately we made the decision to sign with Suntory, I really enjoyed my first year here,’ Cane said.
The 32-year-old, who has played 95 tests (27 as captain), has decided to sign a long-term contract with Suntory in Tokyo. Cane cited family considerations as the main motivation, with his wife Harriet expecting another child soon.
‘If I was a single bloke then I could just solely worry about myself, probably stick around in New Zealand and go another (World Cup) cycle … but I have to start thinking about others … once you hit that 30-year-old mark you start thinking about life after rugby and how I’m going to provide for my loved ones.’
Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson expressed his support for Cane’s decision. ‘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.’
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson also acknowledged Cane’s contributions. “Sam is a special member of the All Blacks family and we have huge admiration for what he has achieved in the game. He has made significant contributions to New Zealand Rugby, and we are fully supportive of his decision to be with his family,” Robinson said.
Cane’s last test for the All Blacks was the 12-11 loss to the Springboks in last year’s Rugby World Cup final in Paris, where he was sent off in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Bok centre Jesse Kriel. His tenure as captain included overseeing the team’s worst loss ever, a 35-7 defeat to the Springboks at Twickenham last August, before delivering one of the greatest individual performances in the All Blacks’ 28-24 win over Ireland in the World Cup quarterfinal.
Recently, Cane has been out of action for Suntory for 10 weeks due to a back injury.
