Cane commits to NZ
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New Zealand Rugby Union are celebrating another re-signing with impressive All Blacks and Chiefs flank Sam Cane committing to the national body and his Super Rugby team for the next two years.
Cane is the latest in a long list of current All Blacks who have re-signed beyond this year including Julian Savea, Brodie Retallick and Dane Coles (2019), Jerome Kaino and Wyatt Crockett (2018), Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Malakai Fekitoa (2017) and Sonny Bill Williams, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Luke Romano, Ryan Crotty, TJ Perenara, Dominic Bird and Patrick Tuipulotu (2016).
The 23-year-old Bay of Plenty loose forward was first selected for the Chiefs in 2011 and the All Blacks in 2012 and has grown in stature in the ensuing years. He was a standout player for the Chiefs this season and this was recognised when he won three trophies at the recent 2015 Chiefs Awards. He has played 22 Tests for the All Blacks and 64 matches for the Chiefs.
"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. I am still relatively young and still have a lot to learn about the game and plenty of room to grow as a player," Cane said.
"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 the Chiefs and that is something I want to play a leading role in."
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: "Sam [Cane] is an exceptional young player who has developed into a world-class loose forward since making his Test debut back in 2012.
"He's worked very hard over the past few seasons and is now a key player in our group. He is in the All Blacks leadership group which just shows how much respect the management and players have for him. We all congratulate him on his recommitment to New Zealand."
Chiefs 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," said Rennie
In his relatively short career to date, Cane has also won two Super Rugby titles, an Under-20 World Cup and was New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year in 2011.
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