“I had my time”: Sam Cane won't captain All Blacks in 2024

Sam Cane made his All Blacks debut in 2012, where he scored two tries against Ireland, but at the end of 2024, he will say goodbye to international rugby.

The veteran of 95 Tests, 27 of those as captain, has decided to focus more on his family with the upcoming birth of his second child with wife Harriet, along with signing a three-year deal with Suntory Goliath starting in 2025.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has granted the 32-year-old an early release from the final year of his NZR contract to make the move to Tokyo possible.

“A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Goliath willing to offer me a three-year contract,” Cane said. “It was something we had to seriously consider as a family due to the stage I am at in my career. It will see me through to 2027 when I’ll have my 35th birthday.

“I’ve always thought that if I can play professional rugby for that length of time I’d be doing really well considering the position I play and the age that I started playing professionally.

“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. It was a very hard one because I love the teams that I represent here in New Zealand.

“We obviously love this country, we love being around friends and family but we ultimately made the decision to sign with Suntory, which we’re really excited about. We have enjoyed our first year there and we just thought it was the best thing for our young family.”

Cane is eligible to play for the All Blacks this year following his current sabbatical in Japan, and has eyes on the No. 7 jersey with the hopes of becoming the 13th Test centurion for NZ, but it won't be as the captain.

“It’s part of the natural process that happens in rugby. I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege,” Cane said.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be selected in the All Blacks this year then I’ll still be myself. I love that team and I just want to see the All Blacks do well, so if part of my role is contributing leadership off the field or on the field, I’ll be happy to support the new captain as best as I can to help make it a smooth transition for the All Blacks.

“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 has been involved in professional rugby since the age of 18, playing for Bay of Plenty in the NPC and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. He captained the All Blacks for the first time during the successful 2015 Rugby World Cup captain where he played a pivotal role.

Taking on the captaincy following Kieran Read would never be an easy task, but the product of Tauranga Boys' College made his own mark on the black jersey. His leadership skills, unrelenting ability at the breakdown, and valuable experience will be felt when Cane does draw the curtain on his Test rugby career.