All Blacks Skipper to miss Super Rugby to play season in Japan

All Blacks captain Sam Can will reportedly miss Super Rugby Pacific to take up a short-term contract playing in Japan.

The Herald understands the Chiefs co-captain has an option in his contract with NZ Rugby allowing him to take a sabbatical and play in Japan.

The stint in Japan would finish in time for Cane to join the All Blacks season, under new coach Scott Robertson.

Cane is signed with New Zealand Rugby until 2025 and has an option to take a non-playing or playing break.

NZ Rugby is expected to make a statement about Cane later today.

Super Rugby squads are due to be named next Thursday.

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea also has a sabbatical for next year, and will play at Kobe in the upcoming season, while Codie Taylor and Jordie Barrett could yet take up options to play spells offshore.

Savea will be one of several big names leaving New Zealand this year. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders) and Pita Gus Sowakula (Chiefs) have all had moves offshore confirmed, while there have been reports that Chiefs duo Brad Weber and Brodie Retallick will also head abroad.

When Savea announced his move he said he was happy to sign the dotted line of a lucrative deal and set up his family.

The 70-test All Blacks flanker was honest about his decision.

“Plain and simple – [it’s[ to set up my family. The money’s good, I’m not going to lie,” Savea said.

“It’s an opportunity to set up my family and also to try something new. It’s a bit of a challenge and hopefully it puts me on my toes.

“Not that I’m not on my toes here but there’s just something about going into a new environment and feeling young and being a rookie again.

“Hopefully that sparks something in me to keep going for a few more years.”

Leaving offshore is becoming common not only for players later in their career, with players in their prime also now beginning to look for opportunities in the offshore market on a short-term basis and return home after a season away.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission