Introduction
Dane Stuart Coles (born 10 December 1986) is a rugby union footballer who plays as a hooker for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and Wellington Lions in the ITM Cup. He was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup winning team. He captained the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby title in 2016. He is widely regarded as one of the best hookers in the world.
Playing career
In 2012, Coles made his All Blacks debut against Scotland. He came on in the 62nd minute: New Zealand 51, Scotland 22.
Coles had become a regular starter for New Zealand by 2014, supplanting long-serving All Black great Keven Mealamu from the starting XV. Coles started in the knockout rounds of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, including the final against Australia, where the 34-17 victory saw New Zealand become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
Of Ngāti Porou descent, Coles was awarded the Tom French Memorial Cup in 2016 as the Māori rugby player of the year. Coles was also nominated for New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year and World Rugby Player of the Year earlier in 2016, losing both awards to team mate Beauden Barrett.
Personal life
Coles lives in Wellington, and is married with two children.