Legendary All Black lands first coaching job since retirement
All Blacks hooker Dane Coles.
Former All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles’ rugby career is set to undergo a major change after it was announced that he has joined the Wellington Lions’ coaching staff as a spot coach.
Coles, who made 90 Test appearances for New Zealand between 2012 and 2023, has been added to the Lions’ backroom staff and will serve the club as a spot coach.
The 37-year-old initially called time on his playing career after last year’s Rugby World Cup final in France but had a change of heart and joined Japan Rugby League One outfit Kubota Spears earlier this year as a replacement for Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx, who was injured at the time.
Following the completion of the Japanese season, Coles returned to New Zealand and will now share his rugby knowledge with the Wellington Lions during their upcoming National Provincial Championship campaign which starts next month.
‘A no brainer’
“Wellington has given me so much throughout my career, and for me to give back to the game and the Union that started it all is a no brainer really,” said Coles, who made 71 appearances for Wellington after making his debut for the side in 2007.
“I’ve got some great memories with the Lions. My time in the black and yellow jersey is done, but I’m excited to direct my energy and efforts into coaching and hopefully giving back to the next generation of players.”
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Wellington Lions head coach Alando Soakai is delighted that Coles is joining his coaching group and revealed that he initially wanted him to play for the team.
“I first reached out to Colesy and asked whether he was keen to play. He mentioned coaching, and the rest is history,” said Soakai.
“We know he’s got a lot of knowledge to pass onto the next generation of hookers, and we’re lucky to have him. For him to offer some of his time to us, is a testament to his incredible character, and his love for the Lions, the team that started it all.”
Wellington Rugby Football Union chief executive Tony Giles echoed Soakai’s sentiments and is looking forward to Coles coming in to join the Lions’ backroom staff.
‘Honoured’ to have Coles as a coach
“We’re honoured that Colesy has offered up his time to move into a spot coaching role with us,” he said.
“The level of talent and mana that he’ll bring to the table is huge, and we’re excited to see what our coaching group will achieve this season.”