All Blacks captain Sam Cane will join the offshore exodus next year, taking up a short-term sabbatical with Japanese club Tokyo Sungoliath.
The openside flanker will miss the Chiefs' Super Rugby Pacific campaign, but return to New Zealand in time for the national team's 2024 programme, similar to teammate Ardie Savea.
His absence would leave the Chiefs searching for a new captain, with both Cane and co-captain Brad Weber heading overseas next season.
Several of the All Blacks' World Cup squad will ply their trades in Japan next year, including halfback Aaron Smith, first-five Richie Mo'unga, fullback Beauden Barrett, lock Brodie Retallick and flanker Shannon Frizell. Veteran hooker Dane Coles has also deferred retirement plans to take up a vacancy on the Kubota Spears roster.
"When the opportunity to play for Suntory in 2024 came up, it felt like the right time, following the Rugby World Cup, to try something new, and also a great chance to continue to grow and learn in my rugby and life journey," said Cane.
"I'm grateful to New Zealand Rugby for their support to take this opportunity.
"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. I’m really pleased to be able to return in time to put my best foot forward for selection in the All Blacks."
The Sungoliath squad currently includes former All Black first-five Aaron Cruden, Blues and Hurricanes loose forward Blake Gibson, Chiefs and Crusaders loose forward Tom Sanders, and Blues and Highlanders wing Tevita Li, along with Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi.
"Sam's decision to take a sabbatical in 2024 has our full support, and we wish him and his family all the best for their time in Japan," said NZ Rugby chief executie Mark Robinson. "There are very few players who have given as much as he has to the jerseys he's worn in his career to date, and it’s a mark of his commitment to the All Blacks that he will return and make himself available for the test season."
Cane is recuperating from a harrowing World Cup tournament that saw him miss the opening pool games with a back injury, hit top form in an outstanding display against world No.1 Ireland in the quarter-finals, but draw a yellow card - upgraded to red - for a high tackle in the final defeat against South Africa.
The NZ public have rallied around the skipper in this challenging time.
"I felt like I let a lot of people down and feeling that support has certainly helped," he said, after arriving home to Auckland. "On a personal level, I appreciate all the support and the kind words.
"It means a heck of a lot."
