Rugby-All Blacks skipper Cane to quit test rugby at end of season

FILE PHOTO: New Zealand All Blacks Sam Cane poses for a photograph after a press conference to announce his debut in Japan's Rugby League One as Suntory Sungoliath player at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, outskirts of Tokyo, Japan November 28, 2023. REUTERS/John Geddie/File Photo

(Reuters) - Incumbent All Blacks captain Sam Cane announced on Monday that he would be returning to Japanese club rugby at the end of the season and retiring from the international game.

The 32-year-old flanker said he had decided to sign up for an extended stay at Suntory Sungoliath, where he is currently playing on sabbatical, and thus give up his eligibility to play for New Zealand.