Sam Cane to play for Suntory Sungolith, take year off from Super Rugby after World Cup final letdown

New Zealand captain SamCanewill play a season for Tokyo-based Suntory Sungoliath and take a year off from Super Rugby following the disappointment of theWorldCupfinal. Loose forwardCanewas given a red card for a high tackle in the 12-11 defeat to South Africa in the decider in France, leaving theAllBlackswith 14 men for most of the game.

The 31-year-old will take up a sabbatical option in his New Zealand contract to join theJapanese League One side Suntory for the 2023/24 season and will miss the Waikato Chiefs' 2024 Super Rugby campaign, New Zealand Rugby said. However,Canewill return to New Zealand next June to be available for selection for the international season.

"It wasn’t an easy decision to skip a season with the Chiefs, but I know the team is in a great place and has an incredible group of leaders in the squad and the coaching group to have a successful 2024," said 95-testCanein a statement. "And I’m really pleased to be able to return in time to put my best foot forward for selection in theAllBlacks."

Cane, whose national contract runs through to the end of 2025, returned home to New Zealand this weekafterbecoming the first player inWorldCuphistory to be sent off in the final. Canesaid he had taken some solace from his mum's advice about not beating himself up about the red card but admitted it would take a while to get over it.

"I think it’s something I’m going to have live with forever, unfortunately. It’s going to hurt for a while."