Rugby-All Blacks hooker Coles set for return after long injury layoff

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - All Blacks hooker Dane Coles will return to action after almost six months on the sidelines this weekend when the Wellington Hurricanes take on Fijian Drua in the New Zealand capital.

The 35-year-old forward, who has been struggling with a hamstring issue since New Zealand's November tour of Europe last year, has been named on the bench for Sunday's Super Rugby match at Wellington Stadium.

"We're thrilled to have Colesy in the 23 this week. We've taken it slowly with him to make sure he's 100% when he comes back, and he's absolutely flying around the place now," coach Jason Holland said of the 81-test forward.

"There are some obvious things with Colesy, about what he'll bring in creating a bit of edge around the group and the way he leads, which is great for our boys. He’s dying to play and dying to contribute."

Famous as much for his bulldozing runs down the wing as his tight work, Coles has struggled with a string of injuries over the last couple of seasons.

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