Samuel Jordan Cane, known to rugby fans as Sam Cane, is one of New Zealand’s most decorated modern forwards. A loose forward who played most of his career at openside flanker, he represented Bay of Plenty at provincial level, the Chiefs in Super Rugby and the All Blacks, the New Zealand national side, whom he also captained. This profile sets out his career, his major milestones and where he plays today.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Samuel Jordan Cane |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 January 1992, Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Position | Loose forward (openside flanker) |
| Height / weight | 1.89 m / approx. 108 kg |
| Provincial | Bay of Plenty |
| Super Rugby | Chiefs (approx. 150 appearances) |
| All Blacks Test caps | 104 (2012–2024) |
| Tests as captain | 27 |
| Current club | Tokyo Sungoliath (Japan Rugby League One) |
Who is Sam Cane?
Sam Cane was born on 13 January 1992 in Rotorua and grew up in Reporoa, a small farming town in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region. He attended Tauranga Boys’ College before beginning his professional career.
Cane plays as a flanker — one of the two “loose forwards” who bind onto the sides of the scrum and are among the first players to the breakdown (the contest for the ball after a tackle). His game is built on winning turnovers, making high tackle counts and covering ground in defence. If you are new to the game, our guide to rugby positions explains how the flanker fits into a team.
Early career and rise through the ranks
Cane broke through quickly as a teenager. In 2010, aged 18, he made his provincial debut for Bay of Plenty, and he soon joined the Chiefs in Super Rugby, the leading professional club competition in the southern hemisphere.
His junior form earned international recognition before his senior debut. In 2011 he was part of the New Zealand Under-20 team that won the IRB Junior World Championship, and he was named New Zealand’s age-grade player of the year that season.
At club level he was a key part of the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Rugby title wins in 2012 and 2013, and he went on to make roughly 150 appearances for the franchise across his career.
All Blacks career and captaincy
Cane made his debut for the All Blacks in 2012 against Ireland, aged just 20, making him one of the younger forwards to be capped in the professional era. A “cap” is an international appearance, and a “Test” is a full international match between national sides.
He was a squad member for New Zealand’s victorious 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, and he captained the side for the first time during that tournament, leading them to a 58-14 pool win over Namibia. In 2020 he won the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Award as New Zealand’s player of the year, and in May 2020 he was appointed full-time All Blacks captain, succeeding Kieran Read.
Key Points
- Won the IRB Junior World Championship with New Zealand Under-20 in 2011.
- Won Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs in 2012 and 2013.
- All Blacks debut in 2012 against Ireland, aged 20.
- Part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and first captained the side at that tournament.
- New Zealand player of the year (Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Award) in 2020; named full-time All Blacks captain the same year.
- Captained New Zealand to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, where he received the first red card in a men’s final.
- Retired from Test rugby at the end of 2024 on 104 caps, then moved to Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup final
Cane captained the All Blacks to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. In the final against South Africa he was shown a yellow card in the 28th minute for a high tackle on Springboks centre Jesse Kriel; after a review by referee Wayne Barnes, the sanction was upgraded to red, making Cane the first player ever sent off in a men’s Rugby World Cup final.
New Zealand played more than 50 minutes with 14 players and lost the final 12-11, with number eight Ardie Savea taking over the captaincy on the field. Cane later received an effective two-match suspension for the tackle. He has spoken openly since about the weight of that moment.
Injuries and comebacks
Cane’s career was shaped by resilience as much as results. In October 2018, during a Rugby Championship Test against South Africa, he fractured his neck in a collision and required surgery, ruling him out for the rest of that season. He returned to full contact in 2019 and went on to captain his country, a comeback that underlined his durability at the highest level.
Retirement from Test rugby and move to Japan
In May 2024, Cane confirmed he would step down as captain and retire from international rugby at the end of the 2024 season, choosing to sign a long-term club contract in Japan. He reached the milestone of 100 Tests in September 2024 against Australia in Wellington, becoming one of a small group of All Blacks centurions.
His farewell Test came against Italy in Turin on 23 November 2024, a 29-11 win that closed out his international career on 104 caps, 27 of them as captain. He then joined Tokyo Sungoliath (the Suntory-backed side) in Japan Rugby League One, where he has taken on a leadership role with the club.
Sam Cane off the field
Away from rugby, Cane is a married father and has kept a relatively low public profile compared with some of his high-profile team-mates such as Beauden Barrett. He shares glimpses of family life and his move to Japan through his social media accounts, and remains a respected figure in New Zealand rugby.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What position did Sam Cane play?
Cane played as a loose forward, primarily at openside flanker (the number seven jersey). Flankers specialise in winning turnovers at the breakdown and making tackles, and Cane could also cover the number eight role.
How many Test caps did Sam Cane earn for the All Blacks?
He finished his international career with 104 Test caps for New Zealand between 2012 and 2024, and he captained the side in 27 of those matches.
Why was Sam Cane sent off in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final?
He was red-carded for a high tackle that made contact with the head of South Africa centre Jesse Kriel. The initial yellow card was upgraded to red on review, and he became the first player ever sent off in a men’s World Cup final.
Has Sam Cane retired?
He retired from international and New Zealand professional rugby at the end of 2024. His final All Blacks Test was against Italy in Turin on 23 November 2024. He continues to play club rugby in Japan.
Which club does Sam Cane play for now?
Since 2024-25 he has played for Tokyo Sungoliath, the Suntory-backed side in Japan Rugby League One, where he holds a leadership role.