All Blacks captain Sam Cane suffers major injury

All Blacks captain and flanker Sam Cane has revealed that he will be sidelined for up to six months with a pectoral muscle tear, ruling him out of Super Rugby and most of the international season.

Cane suffered the chest muscle injury in Chiefs' win over the Blues on Saturday and will undergo surgery next week.

"I'll be out for a wee while, hopefully no longer than six months," he said.  

"I'm obviously disappointed but really positive that it's an easy fix. I'm looking forward to getting into some rehab post-surgery and doing that really well, so I am coming back in good shape."

The All Blacks hope to play a 15-Test schedule this year, including hosting Italy and Fiji in July, the Rugby Championship and a northern hemisphere tour.

The Chiefs confirmed the news with the following statement:

Chiefs Co-Captain Sam Cane is to miss the remainder of the Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa season and undergo surgery after suffering a pectoral injury in the Gallagher Chiefs versus Blues game on Saturday 27 March.

Scans and specialist examination have revealed a tear in Cane’s right pectoral tendon, and he will undergo surgery next week. His expected recovery time is four to six months post-surgery, ruling him out of part of the All Blacks season as well.

Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: “We really feel for Sam and wish him all the best for his upcoming surgery. While we know Sam will not take the field again this season, he will still play a massive role in our 2021 campaign.”

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster said: “We are all disappointed for Sam, but we have full faith in the medical team around him and we wish him well for his surgery and rehabilitation.

“As All Blacks Captain, he will still play a key role in our planning for the 2021 season, and we look forward to him returning to the footy field once his rehab is complete.”