New Zealander · Auckland, New Zealand · Born 10 December 1986Dane Coles was one of the most dynamic hookers in world rugby, known for his ball-handling and speed, and a 2015 Rugby World Cup winner.
Dane Stuart Coles was born on 10 December 1986 in Paraparaumu, New Zealand, and attended Paraparaumu College and Wellington College before progressing through Wellington's provincial system and into the Hurricanes' Super Rugby squad in 2009. He developed into one of the most dynamic hookers in the history of the position, combining traditional set-piece skills with exceptional pace and ball-carrying ability more commonly associated with backs. Coles made his All Blacks debut in 2012 and was a key member of the squad that won the 2015 Rugby World Cup, before captaining the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby title in 2016. His athleticism at hooker redefined expectations of the position, and he set a New Zealand forward record by scoring four tries in a single Test match against Fiji in July 2021. Coles led the All Blacks' haka on four occasions, all performances of the traditional Ka Mate version, and continued to compete for a starting position even as younger hookers like Codie Taylor emerged, remaining a valuable squad member deep into his career through injury setbacks and comebacks. Coles earned dozens of caps for New Zealand across more than a decade of international duty, and finished his playing career in Japan with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, closing out one of the most influential careers in reshaping the modern hooker's role in the game.
Dynamic All Blacks hooker
How They Played
Coles is renowned for his exceptional mobility and ball-handling skills unusual for a hooker. He combines traditional forward skills with the ability to play as an effective ball-runner in the loose, often operating in wider channels like a back.
Lasting Impact
Coles redefined the modern hooker position by demonstrating how front-row forwards could contribute significantly in open play and ball-running situations.
Career Honours
- 2015 Rugby World Cup winner
- Super Rugby title with Hurricanes 2016
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricanes | 2010–2023 | 134 | 0 | #2 |
| Wellington | 2009–2023 | — | — | — |
 New Zealand | — | 54 | 8 | — |
New Zealander Athletes