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NZR statement: The retirement of All Blacks hooker Dane Coles
By Liam Heagney
All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has confirmed that he will retire from playing at the end of the 2023 season. An NZR statement read: “Dane Coles is set to leave everything on the field this season, which will be his last in professional rugby. A Rugby World Cup winner and World Rugby player of the year nominee, Coles has decided that he will retire at the end of 2023.
“It will bring an end to an illustrious 17 years at the top level for Wellington, the Hurricanes, Maori All Blacks and All Blacks. The 36-year-old, who is of Ngati Porou descent and raised on the Kapiti Coast, made the decision recently and wanted to make it official before launching into his final season in New Zealand rugby, starting with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific.
“Since his professional debut for Wellington in 2007, his speed and skills have redefined the hooker position. With 100 Test points (20 tries), he sits third-equal alongside Ardie Savea on the all-time scorers' list for All Blacks forwards.
“Ahead of them are Richie McCaw (135) and Kieran Read (130). In 11 international seasons, the 84-Test veteran has also become the third most-capped hooker in All Blacks history behind Keven Mealamu (132) and Sean Fitzpatrick (92).”
Coles said: “Thank you to Poneke FC, Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks for giving me my dream job. I’m looking forward to enjoying the year and creating some new memories.”
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson added: “I would like to congratulate Dane on an outstanding career that has brought fans so many special moments at all levels of the game. He has been an outstanding servant of the All Blacks, the Hurricanes and Wellington who always puts the team first. We look forward to celebrating this final year of his career with him and his family.”
All Blacks coach Ian Foster said: “Dane is a hundred percent committed, loves his family,
loves his rugby. And there is no doubt about his absolute commitment to the Hurricanes and the All Blacks jersey.”
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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