Sam Cane calls on All Blacks to change overseas rules

Sam Cane says New Zealand Rugby should reconsider their rules which prohibit the selection of overseas players for the All Blacks, as he started a short stint with Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.

The New Zealand captain is among several of the sport's stars, including World Player of the Year Ardie Savea and South African flyer Cheslin Kolbe, who will play in Japan's League One this year, enticed by high salaries and a relatively compact rugby calendar.

While Cane will not miss any internationals during his brief sabbatical, other All Blacks like Richie Mo'unga have signed multi-year deals in Japan that effectively rule them out of selection unless New Zealand's governing body changes its rules.

"A lot of the Springboks have shown the ability to play in League One and go back to international rugby fairly quickly and continue to play their best," Cane said at a news conference in Tokyo when asked if it was time for a rule change.

If New Zealand players returning from overseas stints could likewise show it has not been detrimental to their performance, then "maybe that conversation can be had", Cane said.

Outgoing All Blacks coach Ian Foster (above) has previously said changing the rules would be a "disaster" for rugby in New Zealand as it would draw talent away from its Super Rugby competition and stifle domestic player development.

Currently the NZR's selection policy is the same as in Ireland, where those playing outside the country aren't eligible for the national side.

Cane, who was sent off in last month's Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa, said he had held talks with new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson but would not be drawn on whether he expected to keep the captaincy.

"I know the All Blacks coaches will be