All Black captains' heartfelt message on social media

NEWS: Following his heartbreak of captaining the All Blacks in the 11-12 loss to South Africa in the World Cup final in Paris and the red card he received, Sam Cane has penned a heartfelt message to All Blacks fans.

He was sent off in the 27th minute after a high tackle on Springbok centre Jesse Kriel.

Cane, one of several All Blacks who will not play in Super Rugby Pacific next season, is set to join Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan on a one year sabbatical.

But his start with his new team has also been delayed by the three match ban he received for that very same red card.

The 95-Test veteran will still be eligible to don the famous black jersey in July as New Zealand prepares to usher in the dawn of a new era under new coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson.

Cane had clearly been impressed with how the New Zealand public had dealt with the anguish of narrowly missing out on a World Cup title.

"The highlight for me was the support we received from home & our supporters throughout the tournament and since. It’s been truly incredible and all I can say is a big THANK YOU!"

"It was a massive privilege to represent our country at the World Cup. It wasn’t the ending we all wanted and it’s reminded me that sport can be quite brutal at times," Cane wrote on Facebook.

"When the opportunity to play for Suntory in 2024 came up it felt like the right time following the World Cup to try something new and also a great chance to continue to grow and learn in my rugby and life journey," Cane said in a statement.

"I’m grateful to New Zealand Rugby for their support to take this opportunity.

"It wasn’t an easy decision to skip a season with the Chiefs, but I know the team is in a great place and has an incredible group of leaders in the squad and the coaching group to have a successful 2024, and I’m really pleased to be able to return in time to put my best foot forward for selection in the All Blacks."