NZR statement: The retirement of All Blacks hooker Dane Coles

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.”