Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane has said that he has no regrets about his decision to walk away from New Zealand rugby to prolong his stay with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.
Cane, 32, who signed a three-year extension with Suntory in May, is on 99 Test caps for his country after starting in the All Blacks' nail-biting 31-28 win over Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
The former Chiefs loose forward is all but guaranteed to join his country’s esteemed 100 club against Australia in Wellington this Saturday.
“My emotions are pretty good, I’m excited for the week ahead,” said Cane who will move to equal 12th position on his country’s all-time caps list.
“I suppose at the start of the year there was a little bit of uncertainty around where my body was at and what the year ahead looked like and the changes from a coaching point of view.”
Cane, who was on NPC duty with the Bay of Plenty ahead of the Rugby Championship, added: “My mindset at the start of the season was to do everything I can to get my mind and body in good shape and give myself the best chance of playing well.
“I’ve managed to get a few Test matches in which has been super special and I’ve really appreciated every opportunity that I’ve had.”
The 2015 World Cup winner and 2023 runner-up's first season in Japan was blighted by a back injury which limited him to just six League One appearances.
Cane reflected on his journey to the 100 milestone having made his All Blacks debut in 2012 against Ireland.
“It’s hard to put into words, you need a bit of luck along the way to get to 100. The first 50 came reasonably quickly without too much trouble. The next 50, I’ve had to be patient, and it’s tested me more.
“In time it’ll be really nice to look back on joining that club.”
The Rotorua native has no regrets about his decision to sign a lucrative new deal in Japan which will mean he’s ineligible to play for his country next season.
“I haven’t had any second thoughts about leaving New Zealand, there was a lot of conversations leading up to the decision sign for three years with Suntory and I’m happy and content."
The 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby winner was asked about whether he’d like to be involved in New Zealand’s end-of-year tour.
“I don’t have any expectations. Part of being an All Black for a long time is that it’s pretty risky territory to get into having expectations for the team and the jersey.
“I haven’t really thought about the end-of-year tour. Absolutely, if I’m picked and they see value in having me there then I’d love to continue representing the All Blacks throughout the rest of the year.”
The All Blacks will play Japan at Nissan Stadium on October 26 in Yokohama before facing England at Twickenham on November 2.
Their Northern tour will also feature a clash against Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 9 before a trip to face France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on November 16.
New Zealand concludes their tour against Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on November 23.
New head coach Kosei Ono's Suntory side start their 2024-25 campaign against former League One champions Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Ajinomoto Stadium on Saturday 21 December.
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