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Dane Coles named to All Blacks head coach appointment panel
Alex Chapman • February 4th, 2026 12:49 pm
Dane Coles | Photo: Photosport
New Zealand Rugby has recruited the services of one of the All Blacks’ great characters as they look to select the side’s next coach.
Sport Nation can reveal – and NZ Rugby has confirmed - that former hooker Dane Coles is the “recently retired All Blacks player” included on the appointments panel to find Scott Robertson’s replacement.
NZ Rugby had previously announced the five-person panel would include Board Chair David Kirk, Board Member Keven Mealamu, interim CEO Steve Lancaster and Don Tricker, who NZR describes as an “experienced high performance expert.”
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Coles played 90 times for the All Blacks from his 2012 debut, before retiring after the 2023 World Cup as the third-most capped hooker.
He scored 23 tries during his time in the black jersey, while he also played 141 times for the Hurricanes, captaining them to their only Super Rugby title.
A beloved public figure, known for aggrevating opposition, smart play, and humour, Coles will be seen as a welcome addition.
Last month, NZR announced it will invite NZ coaches with international head coaching experience to apply for the role, with the appointment panel to shortlist and interview candidates.
The final decision will be made by the NZR board.
