Sam Keane, forced international retirement? The shocking statement from the former All Black

There has recently been a mini-earthquake on Planet Rugby, with the recent announcement of Sam Keane. The All Blacks captain recently announced that he will retire from international football at the end of 2024. But was this third-row selection really needed?

According to Israel Dag, the former New Zealand fullback, Sam Keane was more or less encouraged to make this decision by the new Lions coach, Scott Robertson. However, this is the view he clearly expressed during an appearance on SENZ Radio.

I honestly think it was forced. There have been talks about it but in my opinion the truth is that he was tapped on the shoulder and told to take the next step, and the next step is to join Japan.

Honoring Dag

Has Sam Cane really made the decision not to wear an All Blacks jersey anytime soon? Obviously, this decision leaves some people very skeptical. Israel Daag, who also believes the team leadership will go to Scott Barrett, wanted to pay tribute to Sam Keane for his career.

I have a lot of respect for Sam, I've played with him many times and I've never met such a tough guy before. He gave it his all week after week and he's going to become one of the greats in New Zealand.

To summarize

There has recently been a mini-earthquake on Planet Rugby, with the recent announcement of Sam Keane. The All Blacks captain recently announced that he will retire from international duty at the end of 2024. But was this really required on his part? One former All Black doubts it a little…