Dane Coles, a Rugby World Cup champion and World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, is set to end his 17-year professional rugby career this season.
Hailing from Ngāti Porou and raised on the Kāpiti Coast, the 36-year-old will retire at the end of 2023 after representing Wellington, the Hurricanes, Māori All Blacks, and the All Blacks.
Coles made the announcement before starting his final season in New Zealand rugby, which begins with the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific.
“Thank you to Pōneke 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.”
Since his professional debut for Wellington in 2007, his speed and skills have redefined the hooker position.
With 100 Test points (20 tries), he sits third-equal alongside Ardie Savea on the all-time scorers list for All Blacks forwards. Ahead of them are Richie McCaw (135) and Kieran Read (130).
In 11 international seasons, the 84-Test veteran has also become the third most-capped hooker in All Blacks history behind Keven Mealamu (132) and Sean Fitzpatrick (92).