Sam Cane urges NZR to follow Springboks’ overseas policy example
Sam Cane urges NZR to follow Springboks’ overseas policy example

Sam Cane, a seasoned flanker, thinks New Zealand Rugby should reevaluate their rule prohibiting the All Blacks from choosing players who are not citizens of their own country.
The back-row is not allowed to play for the national team while he is in Japan because he is currently on a short-term contract there.
Cane won’t miss any Test matches because he will be returning to New Zealand before their next international, but players like Richie Mo’unga and Aaron Smith won’t have that luxury.
Given that he is under 30 and has signed a three-year contract in Asia, Mo’unga is the most notable departure.
Springboks’ example
Thus, flanker believes they may take a cue from South Africa, who have won the past two Rugby World Cups in spite of altering their foreign policy.
Cane told reporters, “A lot of the Springboks have shown they can play in League One, go back to international rugby fairly quickly, and continue to play at their best.”
Cane thinks that if he does well in Japan and then returns to New Zealand and does well in the black, he may persuade the governing body to reverse their judgment.
He stated, “The challenge for those of us on shorter-term contracts who hope to play international rugby again is that we play really well here.”
“Should we get the opportunity to represent the All Blacks again, we’ve got to show we’ve improved our games. If not, kick off where we left off.
“If we can do that, maybe that conversation can be had with New Zealand Rugby, but I can also see the other side.
“The fact of having experienced players to bring through young guys in the New Zealand game is equally important.
“Obviously a lot to consider and well above my pay grade.”
Playing alongside fellow world stars
Some of the best athletes from South Africa have relocated to Japan in particular; Cheslin Kolbe is the most recent to do so.
After spending the previous six years in France, the superstar wing for the Springboks will play with Cane for Tokyo Sungoliath.
The All Blacks captain exclaimed, “It will be awesome to play with Cheslin, it will be awesome to have him on my team instead of running around trying to catch him.”
It’s been great getting to know him, and if we have the chance, I can’t wait to play rugby with him because I’ve always loved him as a player.
“I’m excited about playing. Hopefully Dane Coles is playing for Kubota (Spears) in round one so he can go up against us.”