All Blacks captain Sam Cane has been granted an early release from his NZ Rugby contract to take up a three-year deal with Japan's Suntory Sungoliath, which will lower the curtain on his test career at the end of 2024.
Cane is currently on sabbatical with the Japanese Top League side. He will return after Super Rugby Pacific in June, and be available for selection for the All Blacks test series against England in July and the ensuing Rugby Championship.
But contracted with NZR through 2025, Cane will instead return to Japan at the end of the year to take up a long-term deal with Sungoliath, making 2024 his final year of All Blacks eligibility.
With a second child on the way, the 32-year-old flanker says he's decided to shift his focus to his family, after a 95-test tenure (27 as skipper) with the men in black.
"It was something we had to seriously consider as a family due to the stage I am at in my career," Cane said. "It will see me through to 2027 when I'll have my 35th birthday.
"I've always thought that if I can play professional rugby for that length of time I'd be doing really well considering the position I play and the age that I started playing professionally.
"I had to weigh up everything and, in the end, with a young family it seemed like the best decision to help set up our future. It was a very hard one because I love the teams that I represent here in New Zealand.
"We obviously love this country, we love being around friends and family but we ultimately made the decision to sign with Suntory, which we're really excited about. We have enjoyed our first year there and we just thought it was the best thing for our young family."
His chances of becoming the 13th All Blacks centurion will rest with new head coach Scott Robertson, who may opt to look elsewhere given the flanker's imminent departure.
But it appears Cane is resigned to having played his final test as captain.
"It's part of the natural process that happens in rugby. I had my time as captain and it was a huge honour and privilege," Cane said.
"If I'm fortunate enough to be selected in the All Blacks this year then I'll still be myself. I love that team and I just want to see the All Blacks do well, so if part of my role is contributing leadership off the field or on the field, I'll be happy to support the new captain as best as I can to help make it a smooth transition for the All Blacks.
"I'm really grateful for the time that I had to wear the captain's armband. It was a huge honour and privilege - a lot of lessons out of it and growth."
Robertson says he's discussed the situation directly with Cane and respects his decision to head off-shore.
"The position he plays asks a lot of you mentally and physically - both of those things ramp up when you are captain. So to do what he's done over such a long period is an incredible feat. I fully respect him taking this opportunity."
Cane says he and his wife have enjoyed the less demanding schedule which comes with playing in Japan.
"The fact that Hudson is getting older, he understands when I’m going away but doesn’t understand why," he said.
"In Japan we’ll get to spend so much time together as a family."
The Rotorua product made his test debut in 2012, scoring two tries against Ireland. While persistent injuries limited his availability over the years, the Bay of Plenty stalwart helped the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2015.
Cane led the All Blacks challenge at last year's World Cup in France, guiding them to the final against the Springboks in Paris, where he became the first player in history to receive a red card in the tournament showpiece.
Cane's decision also brings an end to his Super Rugby career, after 150 appearances across 12 years for the Chiefs, highlighted by consecutive titles in 2012 and 2013.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan admits he'd known about Cane's intentions for a "wee while", which had allowed to him to begin his hunt early for a replacement.
McMillan described Cane as a "massive part of Chiefs rugby."
"If you know the man, he'd want to make sure that this team is left in a better position than when he arrived," he said. "That's saying a lot because he was a part of some pretty great teams.
"He's obviously made a decision he believes is in the best interest of his family and we support him 100 percent."
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson has paid tribute to Cane's impact in the black jersey.
"Sam is a special member of the All Blacks family and we have huge admiration for what he has achieved in the game," said Robinson.
"He has made significant contribution to New Zealand rugby, and we are fully supportive of his decision to be with his family."
