Coles commits to New Zealand and Hurricanes until 2021

Dane Coles has signed a contract extension to commit to New Zealand and the Hurricanes until 2021.

The All Blacks hooker, who has 60 caps to his name, had been linked with a move to Japan but has underlined his desire to stay put.

Coles, 32, is looking forward to playing a more integral role for club and country after missing the whole of the last Super Rugby season with a serious knee injury.

“I still feel like there are things that I want to achieve in New Zealand with teams that mean a lot to me,” said Coles.

“Missing all of last year’s Super Rugby season with injury made me realise just how much I missed being out there for the Hurricanes and I want more time in the jersey.”

BREAKING | Dane Coles inks new deal with @NZRugby and @Hurricanesrugby.

READ https://t.co/M1CNV96kNV pic.twitter.com/okeQrJeyTI

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) January 23, 2019

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was pleased to keep hold of one of his 2015 World Cup-winning squad.

“Dane is a valued member of the All Blacks group,” he said. “He is an important leader on and off the field and passionate advocate for the game and the All Blacks.

“He is an important asset to any team he plays for and we’re all very happy he has re-signed.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Hurricanes boss John Plumtree, who said: “It’s fantastic for everyone here that Dane will continue to lead us and be as influential as he is.

“You can never underestimate just how much he has to offer with his experience and just how much respect he has within our squad and within our coaching group.”

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