Samuel Jordan Cane, known as Sam Cane, was born on January 13, 1992, and is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand. He plays as a flanker for the Super Rugby club Chiefs and captains the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks.
Here, you will know Sam Cane’s net worth, salary, career earnings, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Sam Cane’s Biography
| Full Name | Samuel Jordan Cane |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 13 January 1992 |
| Age | 33 |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 103 kg (227 lb) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | NZ$700–800k base salary |
| Wife | Harriet Allen |
| @samcane7 | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Sam Cane’s rugby journey began in Rotorua, where he first picked up the ball in school competitions. His talent and relentless work ethic earned him selection for the New Zealand Under-20 squad in 2011, helping the team clinch the Junior World Championship.
That same year he was named New Zealand Rugby’s Age Grade Player of the Year and nominated for the International Age Grade Award.
He turned professional with Bay of Plenty and made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2010. His combination of speed, tackling prowess, and turnover skills quickly caught the eye of national selectors.
By June 2012, he made his All Blacks debut against Ireland in Christchurch, marking the start of a distinguished international career that would see him become one of New Zealand’s most capped flankers.
Professional Career
Cane’s early years with the Chiefs were highlighted by back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013. His standout performances at provincial and Super Rugby levels cemented his place in the All Blacks.
In the 2015 Rugby World Cup, he played a pivotal role off the bench and captained the side against Namibia in pool play. A serious neck injury in Pretoria in 2018 threatened his career, but following surgery and a dedicated rehabilitation, he returned to peak form with the Chiefs.
Elevated to full-time All Blacks captain in 2020, Cane led the team through turbulent series and the 2023 World Cup, earning plaudits for his leadership despite a red card in the final.
Ahead of the 2024 season, he announced his intention to step away from international rugby at year’s end, signing a three-year contract with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan to focus on club rugby and family life.
Wife
Sam and Harriet Allen met in Hamilton six years before their 2018 wedding. Their relationship balanced Sam’s demanding rugby schedule with Harriet’s work as a kindergarten teacher and their shared love of rural life.
In July 2018 they wed in a windswept ceremony overlooking Lake Wanaka, choosing a rustic setting to reflect their down-to-earth values.
Their first child, Hudson George Cane, arrived on 4 May 2022. Sam often recalls how he guided Hudson into the world, cementing a deeper bond with Harriet. With tours and training camps, Sam relies on video calls and quick trips home to support Harriet and baby Hudson.
Family stays close by in the Bay of Plenty, where grandparents share duties and pass on farming skills to little Hudson.
Sam Cane’s Net Worth Details
Sam Cane’s net worth is estimated to be $5 Million as of 2025.
Contract
He signed a three-year contract with Suntory Sungoliath in mid-2024, running through 2027. This deal makes him ineligible for All Blacks selection beyond 2024 but secures a base salary reportedly north of NZ$1 million per season, plus performance bonuses and ambassadorial opportunities within Japan Rugby.
Salary
In New Zealand, Cane’s annual All Blacks contract pays him between NZ$700,000 and NZ$800,000, while his Super Rugby deal with the Chiefs and provincial agreement with Bay of Plenty add roughly NZ$200,000 to NZ$250,000 per season.
From 2025, his three-year move to Japan’s Suntory Sungoliath will boost his base salary to over NZ$1 million each year, supplemented by match fees and performance bonuses.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings (NZD) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 400,000 |
| 2016 | 450,000 |
| 2017 | 500,000 |
| 2018 | 550,000 |
| 2019 | 600,000 |
| 2020 | 650,000 |
| 2021 | 700,000 |
| 2022 | 750,000 |
| 2023 | 800,000 |
Career Stats
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Test Caps | 104 |
| Test Points | 85 |
| Test Tries | 17 |
| Super Rugby Appearances | 106 |
| Super Rugby Tries | 14 |
| All Blacks Debut | 2012 |
| Captaincy Debut | 2015 |
| Full-time Captaincy | 2020–2023 |
FAQs
1. When did Sam Cane make his All Blacks debut?
He officially first wore the black jersey in June 2012, aged 20, coming off the bench against Ireland in Christchurch to begin his international career.
2. What position does Sam Cane play and which teams has he represented?
He plays as a flanker at the breakdown, combining speed and toughness. During his career he has represented Bay of Plenty in NPC, the Chiefs in Super Rugby, King Country, and Tokyo Sungoliath.
3.Why was Sam Cane named All Blacks captain?
He replaced Kieran Read in May 2020 after captaining the side at RWC 2015 and leading provincial teams. Coaches recognized his work ethic, consistency and influence on younger players.
4. Why did Sam Cane retire from international rugby at the end of 2024?
He opted to finish his international career at the end of 2024 to honour a three-year contract with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and provide stability for his young family while focusing on club rugby.
5. Who is Sam Cane’s spouse and does he have children?
He is married to Harriet Allen since 2018 and they share a son, Hudson George, born in May 2022. The couple announced they expect a second child in early 2024 to expand their family.
