Dane Coles

Dane Coles’ strength, mobility and speed have helped to redefine the qualities required for a modern international front rower, with an ability to break through tackles and flat foot defenders that sets him apart. He is a fan favourite for Wellington and the Hurricanes, where he regularly leads from the front.

In 2015, Coles cemented his place as the All Blacks first choice hooker and started in the Rugby World Cup final victory over Australia. Coles’ status as a leader was also recognised when he was named as captain of the Hurricanes for the 2016 Investec Super Rugby season.

Early in his career, Coles literally burst on to the provincial scene in 2007, scoring two tries on debut off the bench for the Vodafone Wellington Lions against Otago late in the match, first crashing over from short range and then outpacing the cover defence in an electric run to the line from 40 metres out.

He had only been on the field for less than 30 seconds against Otago before scoring the first of his two tries and is only the second player after Steve Skinnon to score twice on championship debut for Wellington, Skinnon having done so against Taranaki in 1996.

Coles has also pulled on a black jersey for New Zealand Under 21 and for the Maori All Blacks. He is one of the Hurricanes’ most popular players, with strong ties to community rugby in New Zealand’s Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington.