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Five bold possible debutants for the All Blacks in 2026
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Watch out Robbie Henshaw.
All Black flanker Sam Cane has agreed a new contract extension, which will see him stay with New Zealand Rugby, the Chiefs and the Bay of Plenty province for four more years. Last year he raised the hackles of Irish fans for his brutal hit on midfielder Henshaw in the All Blacks‘ 21-9 victory in Dublin.
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The deal is a major coup for New Zealand Rugby with 25-year-old Cane becoming just the second All Black to commit through to 2021.
Cane, who will likely play his 50th Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane this weekend, said: “I’ve grown up supporting all three teams and they’re teams that I love, so to re-sign was ultimately an easy decision for me, while the security of a long-term contract is great for me at this point in my career.
All Black coach Steve Hansen said Cane’s re-signing was significant.
“He’s part of our leadership group, has captained the side on two occasions and he continues to play to the highest standards whenever he takes the field and never lets the jersey down.”
Incoming Chiefs coach Colin Cooper added: “Personally, I’m really excited to be working alongside Sam. It’s great he’s committed to the Chiefs for so long, a team he’s already contributed a lot to. As a player, he’s physical, he’s tough, he’s a leader and people want to follow him and work with him.”
Cane debuted for the Chiefs at just 18 years old. He made his All Black debut in 2012 aged 20 and helped the Chiefs to back to back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013.
The All Blacks are building a core of key players for the future with Cane joining hooker Codie Taylor in signing through to 2021, while Sam Whitelock, Ben Smith and Anton Lienert-Brown are committed through to 2020. All Black skipper Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Israel Dagg, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Julian Savea, Dane Coles, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Moody, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Nathan Harris, Patrick Tuipulotu, Liam Squire, Liam Coltman and Ngani Laumape have all inked deals through to 2019.
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