All Blacks legend puts retirement on hold to take up lucrative offer
All Blacks hooker Dane Coles.
Departing All Blacks hooker, Dane Coles has changed his mind about hanging up his boots after it was revealed that he is set to further his career at Japanese outfit Kubota Spears Funabashi.
Kubota Spears, who are the Japan Rugby League One champions, announced Coles’ recruitment via social media and on their official website.
“We would like to inform you that it has been decided that Dane Coles will join the Kubota Spears Funabashi/Tokyo Bay as an additional player for the 2023-24 season,” read a statement in a post which has also been posted to social media site X, formerly Twitter.
“Dane Coles is scheduled to join the team on December 1st.”
36-year-old Coles, who represented the All Blacks in 90 Tests between 2012 and 2023, finished his Test career at the completion of the recent Rugby World Cup in France.
However, he has had a change of heart, and it appears that he is coming in to replace Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx, who was ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining a serious knee injury in training after he started in the Boks’ tournament opener against Scotland.
Marx ruled out for the season
Marx revealed recently that he would not be part of Kubota Spears’ squad for their upcoming Japan Rugby League One campaign, which kicks off in December.
“Unfortunately, due to my injury, I won’t be able to play next season, but I will be back for the following season, hopefully,” Marx said in a video message.
“Please carry on your amazing support towards the team. I think the team and everybody really appreciate it.”
Coles made his last Test appearance for the All Blacks off the replacements bench in their World Cup quarter-final victory over Ireland.
He was left out of New Zealand’s squad for their semi-final victory over Argentina and their defeat in the final against South Africa.
Coles made the announcement to retire after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in February.