New Zealand skipper Sam Cane to play one season with Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath after World Cup final red card
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Updated 03/11/2023 at 10:07 GMT
Sam Cane will take a year out from his contract with Waikato Chiefs, and will head to Tokyo to link up with Suntory Sungoliath. Cane has the support of New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson, with the All Blacks captain making himself available for international duty next June. New Zealand have a series against England to prepare for, alongside the start of the Rugby Championship.
Highlights: New Zealand thrash Argentina to reach 2023 Rugby World Cup final
New Zealand captain Sam Cane will take a season away from playing rugby in his homeland, after announcing a move to Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.
The 31-year-old has taken up a sabbatical option from his Waikato Chiefs contract, meaning he will not play any part in the upcoming 2024 Super Rugby season.
The move comes on the back of Cane being sent off in the World Cup final as New Zealand lost to South Africa.
"It wasn't an easy decision to skip a season with the Chiefs," said Cane in quotes published by allblacks.com.
"But I know the team is in a great place and has an incredible group of leaders in the squad and coaching group to have a successful 2024.
"When the opportunity to play for Suntory in 2024 came up it felt like the right time, following the Rugby World Cup, to try something new."
Cane will return to New Zealand next June in order to be available for selection ahead of the test series against England, and their Rugby Championship campaign.
"I'm really pleased to be able to return in time to put my best foot forward for selection in the All Blacks," Cane added.
The loose forward has represented his country 95 times, with the most recent of those caps ended early in the World Cup final.
Cane was initially shown a yellow card after his shoulder contacted Jesse Kriel’s head in the opening 30 minutes.
The yellow was upgraded to a red after an off-field review as Cane became the first male player to be sent off in a World Cup final.
Nevertheless, his standing within the team remains exceptionally high, with both New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson and Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan paying tribute to Cane following the announcement.
“Sam’s decision to take a sabbatical in 2024 has our full support and we wish him and his family all the best for their time in Japan," said Robinson.
"There are very few players who have given as much as he has and it's a mark of his commitment to the All Blacks that he will return and make himself available for the Test season."
McMillan added: “Sam has given everything to this team on and off the field and deserves to take this opportunity to experience something different.
"He is an exceptional player and influential leader who has been an integral part of the Gallagher Chiefs for many years. We wish him and his family all the best and hope they enjoy their time in Japan after a full-on year.”
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