Rugby World Cup 2019: Coles reiterates desire to continue with All Blacks

Dane Coles has reiterated he intends to remain a part of the New Zealand squad despite the imminent changing of the guard following the Rugby World Cup.

A number of All Blacks players and coach Steve Hansen will depart following Friday’s bronze final against Wales, having fallen short in their bid for a third consecutive title.

But Coles, who signed a new contract until 2021 in January, does not plan to add his name to that list in the aftermath of a chastening semi-final defeat to England.

The 68-cap hooker is now determined to work hard to prove he deserves to remain in the group.

“I’d love to be in the All Blacks next year. I love playing for this team,” Coles said.

Presenting your final All Blacks team of 2019.

FULL STORY https://t.co/9XfzoEV2Zm #BACKBLACK pic.twitter.com/b6Cy5nk1br

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 30, 2019

“I still have a desire to pull on that black jersey and represent my country, so there will be a strong desire to work hard next year and get back to this team because I love it and care about it.”

Coles acknowledges the reverse at the hands of England will not be quickly forgotten, but he hopes the younger members of the team can use the setback as motivation.

“It’s always going to be there, but it’s important we learn from adversity,” he said. “There’s a lot of young guys who, hopefully, take a hell of a lot out of it.

“This is going to be one that hangs around. We just have to use it in the right way.”

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