All Blacks captain Sam Cane has signed a contract extension to stay with the three-time world champions until 2025, New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.
Under the deal, Cane will have the option of taking a sabbatical in 2024, to either take a rest or play abroad.
Cane, 29, said he was "stoked" at the prospect of staying with the All Blacks and Super Rugby's Chiefs for another four years.
"My passion for the game, whether it's playing for the All Blacks, Chiefs or Bay of Plenty, is as strong as when I started playing, so it was an easy decision for me to extend my contract," he said.
“I’m now looking forward to spending summer with my family and friends, and coming back ready to go to again in 2022.”
Flanker Cane made his Test debut in 2012 against Ireland in Christchurch, going on to play 77 games for the All Blacks.
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He replaced Kieran Read as Test skipper after the 2019 Rugby World Cup but was been sidelined for an extended period to undergo shoulder and chest operations.
"I know that following a year in which he missed a lot of rugby with his significant injury, he is fully committed to being at his very best in 2022 and beyond, which is exciting," All Blacks coach Ian Foster said.
"Sam is an exceptional player and highly respected leader, who has a great rapport with both coaches and players. He is passionate about the teams he is involved with and continues to demonstrate that through his ultra-consistent performances on the field," Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan added.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have his services and look forward to seeing him continue to further his already impressive career.”
