All Blacks captain Sam Cane has signed a new long-term contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2025.
The 29-year-old Chiefs loose forward has committed to another four years and has the option of taking a non-playing or playing break from the New Zealand game in 2024, NZR said.
“My passion for the game, whether it’s playing for the All Blacks, Chiefs or Bay of Plenty, is as strong as when I started playing, so it was an easy decision for me to extend my contract, and my wife Harriet and I are excited about what the future holds,” Cane said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I’m now looking forward to spending summer with my family and friends, and coming back ready go to again in 2022.”
Cane has played 77 tests and returned to play for the All Blacks on their northern tour in October after spending six months on the sidelines following surgery on an injured shoulder and pectoral.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who named Cane captain in 2020 after Kieran Read’s retirement, was thrilled he had re-signed.
“He’s an instrumental part of the All Blacks leadership group in his role as captain and I know that following a year in which he missed a lot of rugby with his significant injury, he is fully committed to being at his very best in 2022 and beyond, which is exciting,” Foster said in a statement.
“We’re delighted for him and Harriet.”
