Sam Cane has stood down as All Blacks captain and might have played his final Test after signing a new three-year deal with Suntory.
The 32-year-old, who joined Suntory following the All Blacks’ 12-11 World Cup final loss to the Springboks after being granted a sabbatical by New Zealand Rugby, will be eligible to feature under Scott Robertson in 2024 but whether he is selected remains to be seen.
Cane hasn’t played since the end of January because of a knee injury and with the openside flanker’s future in Japan, Robertson could well decide the time is right to move on from Richie McCaw’s successor.
Robertson is not short of options to wear the No.7 jersey.
Sam Cane walks past the The Webb Ellis Cup following the All Blacks’ loss to the Springboks in the Rugby World Final at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris. (Photo by David Ramos – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
Even before Cane’s Monday announcement, debate had long raged as to whether Ian Foster had compromised the All Blacks’ side by having the Chiefs flanker as his captain given the form of Ardie Savea.
By the end of his tenure, Foster played the duo together in the same back-row and had Blues loose-forward Dalton Papalii coming off the bench.
As it turned out, the All Blacks fell just one-point short of a fourth World Cup with Cane’s controversial first-half red a major talking point.
In a statement, Cane said he was hopeful he would feature again for the All Blacks under the new leadership but would stand down as captain despite still being contracted by NZR until year’s end.
“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.”
Sam Cane has been signed long-term by Eddie Jones’ Suntory. Photo: Getty Images
Cane, who made his debut against Ireland in 2012 and went on to play 95 Tests, said the opportunity to continue playing in Japan at Suntory, whose director of rugby is former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, was too good to turn down.
“A good opportunity came my way with Suntory Sungoliath 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.”
Ardie Savea (2nd right) is one of the candidates to take over from Sam Cane as All Blacks captain. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Robertson – a former All Blacks back-rower – said he respected Cane’s decision to stand down.
“After discussing this at length with Sam, I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him,” Robertson said.
“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.”
By signing a long-term deal in Japan, Cane is ineligible to play for the All Blacks under the NZR’s eligiblity policy.
Scott Barrett, who captained the Crusaders under Robertson from 2020, is the favourite to take over from Cane.
Savea, who also skippered the All Blacks in the absence of Cane in recent years, is another candidate.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Its professional sport. An unproven player is not going to be given 5 games in a row, you get your chance you take it. Even at SRP what 7s were knocking down the door that then got the 15 mins and were really good. Papali'i had 16 starts at 7 in the last WC cycle but I don't think anyone would have considered him better than Cane so its not like other players weren't given a shot. He was in a Blues team that struggled up front and Pap was the 7.
4 of 6
Roar Rookie
Cane deserves better. A lot of things were out of his control. Being asked to be captain of any team is an honour and to accept the position means you have to wear the consequences, but you also have to look were the offer is coming from. Cane is a warrior and a good guy. Foster track record as a coach and his chosen assistants were always iffy at best. NZR screwed up, Foster and his assistants totally screwed up, Schmidt n Ryan righted the ship, but was never in total control as they were assistants and poor Cane therefore always had a short straw . That said any captain would have a difficult job. Cane may or may not have been everyone’s pick at captain or 7 , but Foster determined all that very early on. Foster did dealt Cane a poor hand.
ShortBlind
Roar Rookie
As a Wallabies fan I really admired Sam for his calm captaincy, guts and the cohesion he seemed to bring to teams he played in. Much respect and good wishes to him.
El Flash
Roar Rookie
I agree with your point about Cane in the QF. I was in the stadium that night & he was by a long stretch the best player out there. However, your point about anyone else getting a chance to out play him is a tad extreme. Foster never gave anyone else a chance. Cane was an automatic selection with the bench players only getting 10-15 minutes at the end.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
No its a contractual one Coker. One is contracted to NZR for this year one isnt.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
He started the year Foster finished tln
cookie
Roar Guru
A better player than most kiwis will give him credit for. Came in after the all blacks most golden period with a coach that arguably didn’t help and whose reputation was helped by other coaches. He rode the coattails of Hansen then Schmidt saved his hide..
ScottD
Roar Guru
Good decision, good luck to him. Sam deserved a lot more respect than people gave him as Captain.
Harry Jones
Expert
Gave all he had every time he took the field.
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
An awesome player who was superb at the hard stuff. Always have 100% and was maligned for things out of his control. Good luck with the move and well done for looking after the Whanau.
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
Absolutely
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
The excellent Cane did well for the very good but not excellent Foster, will be unsurprised when he makes Eddie Jones look adequate.
Gary
Roar Rookie
I met Sam in a Japanese Restaurant in Hamilton many years ago ( strangely) and found him a respectful young bloke and one of the few AB’s I fully support, good on you Sam !
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
He was NZ's Michael Hooper in that he was much derided at home but much appreciated internationally. I thought the ABs were much more likely to be beaten if he wasn't playing. They lacked the hard defensive edge without him and nobody made up the lost workrate. Great player
Gkl
Roar Rookie
Hi CD Nice article. SC good luck at Suntory. Many in NZ consider you one of the GOAT AB captains in the modern era. The AB breakdown will be considerable weakened by your abscence. This maybe the wallabies moment for bledisloe smash and grab 2024. GKL
Carlin
Roar Rookie
I think he is made the right decision and if he is selected in the All Blacks this year, I think it is a good move with the transition of a new coach and leadership group. Still having his experience there will be a big help especially when the All Blacks have two tests in South Africa and quite a gruelling Northern Hemisphere schedule. I think he was under appreciated at times but he was one player that would always put his body on the line and would go to some dark places in the collision zone.
Lem
Roar Rookie
True story! As a bok supporter I can vouch for the esteem in which he is held by players and supporters alike. Not as close to the detailed politics that accompanied his tenure as my kiwi brethren, but from where I stood he carried it all (injury, an inconsistently perf team, vocal skeptics, a vicious press and a crushing red card call) with dignity and fortitude.
CW Moss
Roar Rookie
This reminds of who to choose to be Captain of a Test Cricket team. A great captain but average cricketer or the other way. Pat Cummins or Kane W, Richie McCaw or John Eales for example. ABs Ardie Savea, WBs god knows.
Lr6050
Roar Rookie
Japan uses Yen on Sam Cane. It’s super effective
nroko
Roar Rookie
He had a tough time juggling injury, poor form of the team and poor coaching. He put his body for the jersey. Got dudded by the coaches in 2019 SF. The sledge he copped and the revenge - will forever remember that when I think of Sam Cane.