Coles delighted to recommit
The embattled Hurricanes received some good news as New Zealand Rugby confirmed the signature of combative hooker Dane Coles until the end of 2023.
NZR announced Coles’ resigning yesterday, until the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. He will also remain with the Hurricanes who he debuted for in 2009.
The 34-year-old was rested from the early rounds of Super Rugby Aotearoa with a calf niggle but showed in recent weeks his form is as strong as ever.
He was an imposing presence in the Hurricanes’ 30-27 golden point loss to the Crusaders and hooking rival Codie Taylor, as the Wellington side remained anchored to the foot of the ladder with a 1-5 record.
Coles’ re-signing signals the first of the Hurricanes’ Big Five to
recommit past this season.
Captain Ardie Savea and Ngani Laumape are off contract after this year, while Jordie Barrett is with
NZR until the end of next year but has an option in his contract to join another Super Rugby club if he chooses.
Then there’s halfback TJ Perenara, currently playing in Japan and being strongly linked to a switch to the National Rugby League with the Sydney Roosters confirming their interest in recent days.
Said Coles, who has 74 test appearances and more than 120 matches for the Hurricanes: ‘‘I’m so grateful to be playing the game I love, and grateful for the opportunity to continue with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby.
‘‘The Hurricanes have been loyal to me, I’m a ‘one club’ man, so to continue my career with them will be awesome.
‘‘I’m also looking forward to giving myself a chance to again play for the All Blacks. It’s a huge honour to play for that team and I never take my opportunities in the black jersey for granted.’’
All Blacks coach Ian Foster said: ‘‘It’s fantastic news to have Colesy recommit to New Zealand. He’s such an influential player in our team: he’s a world-class player, an inspiration to his teammates and we love his straightforward honesty. On behalf of the All Blacks, we want to congratulate him and wife Sarah on his decision.’’
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland, whose team now eye the high-flying Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night, described Coles as a massive presence on and off the field.
‘‘His passion for the Hurricanes is second to none and we learn from him every day. His form this season has been top notch and he’s been looking sharp throughout Super Rugby Aotearoa.’’
Coles made his test debut in 2012 against Scotland and was a member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning side. He captained the Hurricanes to their first Super Rugby title in 2016, and was a nominee for the New Zealand and World Rugby player of the year awards that year.