NEW ZEALAND captain Sam Cane will retire from international rugby at the end of 2024 after accepting a three-year contract with Japanese club Tokyo Sungoliath.

The 32-year-old flanker requested an early release from the final year of his contract with New Zealand Rugby in 2025 to prolong his career in Japan.

“A good opportunity came my way with Sungoliath willing to offer me a three-year contract,” the 95-times capped Cane told allblacks.com.