All Blacks, Chiefs and Bay of Plenty loose forward Sam Cane has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby for another four years.
The new long-term contract ties him to the All Blacks and domestic rugby in his homeland until the age of 33.
Back in the country after a strenuous Northern tour, Cane joined SENZ Breakfast after signing his contract extension.
“The year didn’t really turn out how I wanted with injuries etc, but it’s good to be home,” said the All Blacks captain.
“We were lucky when we were away that MIQ rules changed so we didn’t have to do two weeks isolation, just a week then the three days at home.
“It was different sort of tour with Covid restrictions – it was tough on the fellas.”
Now though, more stability for Cane’s future with the contract now signed up til 2025
“It’s good for myself, my family, my wife Harriet. I’m stoked to be given the oppotunity to stick around in New Zealand for another four years,” he said.
“I’ve still got a real drive to be a better rugby player. And this is the best place in the world to be, surrounded by like-minded people to be the best player I can be. I wasn’t ready to go overseas and I’m just thankful to New Zealand Rugby for the opportunity.”
While Cane didn’t talk financial rewards too seriously, he said the process to get the long-term rugby contract across the line was interesting.
“There were no sit-downs with NZR myself – my agent Warren Alcock did all the work,” Cane said.
“It’s a process that’s not done overnight by any means – it’s been back and forth over a few months.
“The All Blacks captaincy is not put into the contract – there are no guarantees. But there is a little pay bonus if you make skipper.
“I’m just grateful. The certainty going forward is a nice feeling.”
Cane, 29, played his first pro-rugby game for the Chiefs in 2010 and made his All Blacks debut two years later.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner has played 77 Tests and has captained the team ten times.