Richie Maccaw France Australia New Zealand Johannesburg All Blacks Rugby Richie Maccaw France Australia New Zealand Johannesburg

All Blacks veteran Coles to retire at end of 2023

news24.com

All Blacks World Cup winner Dane Coles will retire at the end of this year, the veteran hooker said on Thursday.He will hang up his boots after 17 years of professional rugby for Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.Coles, who turns 37 in December, started the 2015 World Cup final when New Zealand beat Australia at Twickenham.His most recent appearance for the All Blacks came in a 39-37 win over Australia last September.The Rugby World Cup takes place this September-October in France.The 20 tries he has scored in 84 Tests makes Coles the joint third-highest points-scoring forward in All Blacks history behind only Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.READ | Rassie Erasmus set to release memoir on his life and rugby: 'Very few people know the real me'"Thank you to Poneke FC (his local club), Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks for giving me my dream job," Coles said."I'm looking forward to enjoying the year and creating some new memories."Coles has played international rugby for 11 seasons.Only Sean Fitzpatrick (92) and Keven Mealamu (132) have made more appearances for the All Blacks at hooker.Coles captained the Hurricanes to the 2016 Super Rugby title when he led the team to victory over the Johannesburg-based Lions despite a rib injury.

Related News
New Zealand Rugby on Wednesday launched their hunt for the next All Blacks coach, despite incumbent Ian Foster's fears that it could disrupt the team's World Cup preparations.
New Zealand Rugby will appoint a new All Blacks coach within six weeks to succeed Ian Foster after the World Cup, with Foster confirming on Wednesday he will not reapply for the role.
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said on Wednesday he would not reapply to continue in the role after the Rugby World Cup in France.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) will confirm the All Blacks coach for 2024 and beyond within six weeks rather than wait until after this year's World Cup in France, leaving the team's current boss Ian Foster in an awkward position.
Callum Davidson was left “really disappointed” with referee Craig Napier’s decision to send Dan Phillips off.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) should not search for a new coach in the build-up to the World Cup, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has said, adding he is concerned the speculation around who will succeed him will disrupt preparations for the showpiece event.

Latest News

Change privacy settings
This page might use cookies if your analytics vendor requires them.