All Blacks captain Sam Cane will join Japanese club Suntory for the 2024 season, but will still be available to play internationals next year.
According to New Zealand Rugby, Cane has taken a sabbatical option in his New Zealand Rugby contract but will return home in June to play for the All Blacks.
The 31-year-old openside flanker became the first player ever sent off in a Rugby World Cup final when he was shown a red card in New Zealand's 12-11 defeat to South Africa in Paris.
The Japanese season kicks off in December and runs until May, meaning Cane will miss playing for the Chiefs in the 2024 Super Rugby campaign, which begins in February.
New Zealand are set to host England in a Test series next year before beginning their defence of The Rugby Championship title under new head coach Scott Robertson.
Cane's All Black team-mates Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie both had spells with the Tokyo-based club in recent years.
Source: Rugby.com.au
