Sam Cane

Ngatai and Cane to captain Chiefs

Cane has shared the role with Aaron Cruden over the past two campaigns before the first-five departed for France last year.

Ngatai has captained both the Maori All Blacks and Taranaki under new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper, who had no hesitation in selecting the pair.

Cooper was not so enthusiastic, however, about discussing the potential signing of prodigy Etene Nanai-Seturo following his high-profile split with the Warriors NRL club.

Cane signs again

Cane, 25, is set to play his 50th test against Australia this weekend in Brisbane and has captained the All Blacks in two tests.

The deal means he will also remain with Super rugby side the Chiefs.

"Even though I've been in the All Blacks for five years now, there is still heaps more I want to achieve in the black jersey," said Cane.

"I'm in a leadership role with the All Blacks and the Chiefs and that's something I enjoy, and I want to contribute any way I can in helping lead and drive both those teams to succeed."