All Blacks Captain Sam Cane to Play for Suntory in Japan, Miss 2024 Super Rugby Season, Returns for International Season in June

Cane's decision to join Japan's Suntory Sungoliath follows the All Blacks' defeat in the Rugby World Cup final; he will miss his usual season with the Chiefs, but returns to New Zealand ahead of international season selection.

All Blacks Captain Sam Cane will be missing the 2024 Super Rugby Season with the Chiefs, as he is set to join Japanese League One side, Suntory Sungoliath for the 2023/24 season.
Cane's decision follows after New Zealand's defeat in the Rugby World Cup final, where he became the first player in the cup's history to be sent off in the final, leading the team to play with just 14 men for most of the game.
Despite the move to Japan, Cane is expected to return to New Zealand in June 2024, making himself available for the international season selection.
While the decision was not an easy one, Cane assured that the Chiefs are in a sound position with an incredible group of leaders, anticipating a successful 2024 campaign.
Cane, whose national contract runs through to the end of 2025, attempts to leverage this opportunity to try something new and plans to make a strong comeback in the 2024 international season with the All Blacks.