Sam Cane re-signs with Chiefs & All Blacks
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Sam Cane re-signs with Chiefs & All Blacks
The deal is a major coup for New Zealand Rugby with 25-year-old Cane becoming just the second All Black to commit through to 2021.
Sam Cane, who will play his 50th Test in his next All Blacks outing, said: “I’ve grown up supporting all three teams and they’re teams that I love, so to re-sign was ultimately an easy decision for me, while the security of a long-term contract is great for me at this point in my career.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said Cane’s re-signing was significant.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Sammy on his decision. He’s grown hugely as a player since he came into the All Blacks five years ago. He's part of our leadership group, has captained the side on two occasions and he continues to play to the highest standards whenever he takes the field and never lets the jersey down.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to congratulate Sammy on his decision. He’s grown hugely as a player since he came into the All Blacks five years ago. He's part of our leadership group, has captained the side on two occasions and he continues to play to the highest standards whenever he takes the field and never lets the jersey down.
Born and raised in the rural Bay of Plenty town of Reporoa, Sam Cane has had an exceptional career since his breakout year in 2010 when he made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs and at just 18 years old followed by his provincial debut for Bay of Plenty later that year. In 2011, Cane was part of the Junior World Championship-winning New Zealand Under 20 side, was the New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year and was also nominated for International Age Grade Player of the Year.
He made his All Blacks debut in 2012 at 20 years old. A devastating tackler and scavenger, he continued to take his game to new levels in 2017. In the first Bledisloe Cup Test this year, he led the All Blacks tackle count with a staggering 25 tackles, ten more than the second placed All Black, captain Kieran Read. Cane first captained the All Blacks against Namibia at RWC 2015 and also led the side against Italy in 2016. He has played 49 Tests, 95 games for the Chiefs, and 19 games for Bay of Plenty.
