1. If I could think of one word that describes Sam it would be "authentic". He is remarkably comfortable in his own skin, unafraid to confront inconvenient realities and incredibly honest.

2. As a leader, I don't know anyone who commanded the respect of his peers, coaches and support staff by simply being himself and being true to the internal standards that drove him.

3. He manoeuvred through adversity without shying away from the pain associated with it, from a devastating neck injury that almost ended his career to receiving that red card in the World Cup final. He always fronted with raw honesty and was unafraid to express his emotions.

4. Throughout the ups and downs, he remained grounded in his agricultural roots and displayed the work ethic, care for the man next to him and unrelenting determination that defines these communities.

5. From my observation, every team he played for valued his presence. He left the jersey in a better place and added massive amounts of Mana to those organisations.

6.Leadership is hard, especially if you are the captain of the All Blacks. A whole country evaluates you and watches if you are fit for that position. His performance against Ireland at last year's RWC was as good as you will see from a leader in an incredibly pressurised context

7. His calmness, belief and ability to get everyone rowing in the same direction was critical and needed. I am glad we all got to see this. Cheers to a great man, a phenomenal leader, and an outstanding family man. Suntory is lucky to have you for the next few years.