Sam Cane

On June 9, 2012, Sam Cane made his international debut for the New Zealand All Blacks against Ireland. The match took place in Auckland, and Cane entered the game as a substitute, making an immediate impact with his defensive skills and high work rate. Although only 20 years old at the time, Cane showcased his potential to become a mainstay in the All Blacks' lineup, contributing to a 42-10 victory.

In 2013, Sam Cane was nominated for the prestigious IRB Junior Player of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding performances as a young player. Cane played a crucial role in New Zealand's Under-20 team, and his leadership and skill on the field were highlighted throughout the U20 World Cup. Despite facing intense competition, Cane's nomination underscored his potential to become one of the leading figures in rugby.

On July 15, 2015, Sam Cane signed a new four-year contract with New Zealand Rugby, reaffirming his commitment to the All Blacks. This long-term deal was indicative of the confidence New Zealand Rugby had in Cane's abilities as a future leader and prominent player within the team. The contract secured his presence in New Zealand rugby, allowing him to focus on contributing to the national team's success over the coming years.

Sam Cane was an integral part of the New Zealand squad that won the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks triumphed over Australia 34-17 in the final held at Twickenham on October 31, 2015. Cane's contributions as a flanker were vital throughout the tournament, providing stability and defensive strength. This victory marked the third Rugby World Cup title for New Zealand and was a significant milestone in Cane's career.

On June 18, 2016, Sam Cane captained the All Blacks for the first time during a test match against Wales. Played in Wellington, the game saw Cane leading his team to a 36-22 victory. This opportunity underscored his emerging leadership role within the team, highlighting New Zealand Rugby's confidence in his captaincy potential. Cane's leadership and on-field contributions were key factors in the All Blacks' dominant performance.

In a significant setback, Sam Cane suffered a serious neck injury during a match against South Africa on September 29, 2018. The injury required immediate medical attention and raised concerns about Cane's rugby future. Despite the severity of the situation, Cane showed resilience during his recovery. His determination to regain full strength was widely admired, and he eventually made a successful return to the field.

On May 5, 2020, Sam Cane was officially appointed as the captain of the All Blacks, a prestigious role in New Zealand rugby. Cane took over the captaincy from Kieran Read amid high expectations and significant pressure. Known for his leadership qualities, Cane was seen as a natural choice to lead the team. His appointment marked a new era for the All Blacks, with Cane tasked to guide them through upcoming challenges and maintain their standing as a top-performing team.

Sam Cane underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle on June 5, 2021. The injury had been causing him significant discomfort and limited his participation in matches. The surgery was successful, but it required a period of rehabilitation, causing Cane to miss several important matches during the recovery phase. Despite this setback, Cane remained determined to return to peak performance and continue leading the All Blacks as captain.

On November 12, 2022, Sam Cane showcased resilience and leadership during the final matches of the Rugby Championship. Despite battling injuries and form issues earlier in the year, Cane's performance was pivotal in the All Blacks' campaign. His defensive prowess and experience were key as New Zealand regained momentum to finish the championship with a strong showing, highlighting his importance as the team's leader on and off the field.

Sam Cane made a notable return to Super Rugby on February 5, 2023, following a brief period of being a reserve player. His performance demonstrated his continued value in domestic competitions, with Cane showcasing leadership and skill that echoed his key role in the national team. This return helped bolster his form and confidence heading into the international season, emphasizing his resilience and dedication to maintaining high performance levels.