Dane Coles to retire at end of 2023 season

New Zealand international Dane Coles has announced that he will be retiring from professional rugby at the end of the 2023 season.

Coles made his professional rugby debut with Wellington in 2007 with his Super Rugby debut for Hurricanes coming two years later.

The 36-year-old has racked up over 100 appearances in Super Rugby and also led them to a title win in 2016.

Having made his New Zealand debut in 2016, Coles has 84 Test appearances to his name and is third-equal points scorer alongside Ardie Savea on the all-time scorers list for All Blacks forwards after Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.

He was also part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup winning side of the All Blacks and has won several Rugby Championships with the team.

“Thank you to Poneke FC, Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks for giving me my dream job,” Coles said.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying the year and creating some new memories.”