The All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has become the third player to commit long-term to New Zealand Rugby.
All Blacks hooker Dane Coles Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Coles has re-signed for another four years through until 2019.
His signature follows the announcement last week that his Hurricanes' teammate Julian Savea and Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick had signed four-year deals with New Zealand Rugby.
The 28-year-old says playing for the All Blacks and Hurricanes was all he has ever wanted to do, and representing the two teams was still at the forefront of his mind.
He says he's definitely not at the stage where he wants to head overseas, both teams mean a huge deal to him and he really wants to play for a club, and team, that he has a strong connection with.
Coles says his family and friends are also close by which is still important to him, and so he's just thankful for the opportunity both New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes have given him to stay on.
The 27-test veteran says he likes the way the Hurricanes are heading at the moment, and isn't ready to give up being a part of that just yet.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew says coming on the back of Brodie and Julian's announcements, this is further great news for both the All Blacks and the Hurricanes.
Tew says Coles' recommitment to New Zealand again reinforces the fact that, despite the attractions of overseas clubs, the New Zealand rugby environment still has a lot to offer, and the majority of our players still want to be part of it.
Dane Coles has cemented his position as first-choice hooker for both the Hurricanes and All Blacks hooker with a series of impressive appearances for both teams.
Coles made his provincial debut for Wellington and national debut for New Zealand Under 21 in 2007 and his Super Rugby debut in 2009.
He claimed the Hurricanes starting jersey in the 2012 season, turning in a series of performances that attracted the eye of the All Blacks selectors, who picked him for the year-end European Tour.
He featured in all four matches, making his Test debut against Scotland in Edinburgh. He has now played 27 Tests and scored two tries and made more than 75 appearances for the 'Canes.
Other All Blacks who have committed to New Zealand Rugby beyond this year include Savea and Retallick (2019), Jerome Kaino (2018), Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Malakai Fekitoa (2017) and Sonny Bill Williams, Aaron Smith, Augustine Pulu, Beauden Barrett, Luke Romano, TJ Perenara, Dominic Bird and Patrick Tuipulotu (2016).
