Sam Cane
The Chiefs have re-signed Sam Cane, keeping the All Blacks flanker in Hamilton for at least the next 2 years.
The 23-year-old has been 1 of the stand-out players for the Chiefs this season and this was recognised when he won 3 trophies at the recent 2015 Chiefs Awards.
Cane, who has become a pivotal part of the Chiefs team, collected the Player of the Year voted for by the fans, the Chiefs Player of the Year voted for by the coaches and the Players Player of the Year.
Head coach Dave Rennie is rapt that Cane has committed for another couple of years.
“He’s an outstanding player but more importantly a quality young man, held in high regard by all. His work ethic, leadership and community mindedness continues to have a positive influence on our club.”
Reporoa-born Cane is a highly motivated loose forward who has 1 of the highest and most efficient tackle rates in this year’s Super Rugby competition.
But he says he has plenty of room for improvement.
“I am really enjoying my rugby and love playing for both the Chiefs and the All Blacks. I still have a lot of things I want to achieve in New Zealand Rugby. I am still relatively young and still have a lot to learn about the game and plenty of room to grow as a player.
“It was a simple decision to stay with the Chiefs. It is an enjoyable environment to be a part of with a great bunch of men. The coaches are world class and the future is exciting for Chiefs rugby and that is something I want to play a leading role in.”
Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman added, “Sam is an exceptional bloke and a player that we see forming a critical part of our leadership group moving forward.“
“The consistency of his performances this year and the way he has handled the physical rigors of the game has been remarkable. I have no doubt he will take his game to new levels with the Chiefs and All Blacks in the years to come.”
Cane made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2011 and his All Blacks debut in 2012. He has won 2 Super Rugby titles, an Under 20 Junior World Championship gold medal and the New Zealand Rugby Age Group Player of the Year. He has also claimed the Bay of Plenty Junior Sportsman of the Year in 2012 and was a Bay of Plenty age group representative.
Cane has played 64 matches for the Chiefs and 22 Test matches for the All Blacks.