1
'Is this really worth it?' - Coles opens up about darker moments
By Peter Thompson
A determination to end his illustrious career on his own terms prevented Dane Coles from retiring during an injury-ravaged couple of years for the New Zealand hooker.
Coles has undergone two knee operations, been troubled by calf and rib injuries, and left sidelined by concussion.
The Hurricanes captain has not played since rupturing knee ligaments in the All Blacks' win over France in Paris last November, but is due to feature for Wellington when they start their Mitre 10 Cup campaign next week.
Coles was adamant that injuries would not dictate when his playing days would come to an end.
He told Radio Sport: "I've had a pretty frustrating couple of years.
Continue reading below...
"You have times where you're like, 'Is this really worth it?' or 'Is this going to come right?'"
He added "I think the drive, especially for me of getting back out there playing for the All Blacks or playing for the Hurricanes, has been a massive motivation.
"Just playing rugby again. I love the game. I didn't want the injury to determine my outcome I wanted, leaving on my own terms I suppose."
The 31-year-old was named in the world champions' Rugby Championship squad this week, but is unlikely to play any part until the latter stages of the tournament.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Banned ex-Springbok Elton Jantjies breaks his silence
3
Three Springboks, three All Blacks named in L’Equipe's Best XV 2024
4
Warren Gatland's Wales to move on Prem scrum coach
5
Latest Comments
Liverpool? OK, whatever you say 🤷♂️ You spelt Syringeboks wrong, need to calm down a bit and wipe the tears from your eyes.
Go to commentsThat absolute BS, when did you come up with this idea?
All three were well on track to being All Blacks. They simply decided it was smarter to take the money right now rather than slog on for another 3 or 4 years waiting for their opportunity to line up.
Many AB quality players have not even got the chance to earn a cap for heavens sake, it is simply as you suggest elsewhere, better utilization of global talent to have them qualify for another nation.
The only problem is that the ABs get all the best players, mostly because they pay more, and the island nations, even the home nations, just get those that can't make it or want a bit more limelight.
Go to comments