Dane Coles is a formidable hooker who is a true giant of the modern game. He’s spent his entire senior career with Wellington and the Hurricanes and has also made more than 70 appearances for the All Blacks.

Born 10 December 1986, Dane Coles signed for Wellington in 2007. Due to his impressive performances in the Mitre 10 Cup (now the Bunnings NPC), he was then also signed to play for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby in 2009. Ever since, he has firmly remained a one club man and he’s spent his entire domestic career representing the sides.

However, although he’s enjoyed a glittering domestic career in New Zealand, Dane Coles is undoubtedly best known for his career as an All Black. Since 2012, he’s made more than 70 appearances for the national side, and he’s captured a host of honours during this time.

In his All Blacks career, his greatest moment arguably came in 2015, when he helped the side capture the Rugby World Cup. However, although he’s captured almost every trophy available at international level, Dane Coles has also achieved a number of personal accolades. For example, in 2016, he was named as the Māori rugby player of the year and was nominated for New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year and World Rugby Player of the Year.

Although Dane Coles has experienced a number of injuries since the height of his career in 2016, he remains a world-class talent. As a result, we can’t wait to see what else he can achieve in the game.