Coles signs on as captain for 2016

Super Rugby is expanding to 18 teams in 2016 and the Hurricanes have selected the right man to lead the side into the dynamic new era.

Dane Coles (Poneke) takes over from Conrad Smith (Old Boys-University) as the Hurricanes’ captain next season.

Coles becomes the third hooker after Norm Hewitt and Andrew Hore and the fourth front-rower after Hewitt, Hore and founding skipper Mark Allen to lead the Hurricanes in to Super Rugby battle.

Halfback TJ Perenara (Northern United) is the Hurricanes’ vice-captain in 2016.

The appointments have been hugely popular within the ‘Canes camp, with head coach Chris Boyd saying it was Coles’ dedication and passion for the team which made him deserving of the leadership role.

“Dane is a proud and passionate Hurricanes player who has always led, and will continue to lead by example.

“He is someone who’s totally committed to the club, what we stand for, and what we’re trying to achieve. He’s highly respected by all the players because of the commitment and pride he shows around our camp, so we know he’s the right man for the job.”

Coles has been with the Hurricanes since his debut in 2009, and has since played 80 matches for the team. He will take over from Conrad Smith, who captained the side from 2012 through to the 2015 Super Rugby final.

Coles said it was an absolute honour to be named captain of a team he was so passionate about.

“To be honest, it’s something I never thought would happen, but I’m pretty excited about it. I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading the boys, along with TJ, and can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Boyd said Perenara was the obvious choice for a vice-captain who would counter-balance Coles’ leadership style.

“Like Colesy, TJ is massively passionate about the Hurricanes and will be a great assistant to Dane as we get ready to endure this long campaign.

“They will work closely with each other and share the leadership duties, to make sure they can remain focused on their on-field performances as well.”

Meanwhile a group of Hurricanes, including Coles, are in line for awards at this Friday’s New Zealand Rugby Awards in Auckland.

Coles and Ma'a Nonu (Oriental-Rongotai) are both up for the Kelvin R Tremain Player of the Year award. Nehe Milner-Skudder, (Varsity in Manawatu) has been nominated for the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year and Ardie Savea (Oriental-Rongotai) and James Broadhurst (formerly Rimutaka) are also in the running for the ITM Cup Player of the Year, and Super Rugby Player of the Year awards, respectively.

The Hurricanes open their 2016 Super Rugby campaign on Friday 26 February against the Brumbies in Canberra. They play their first match at home in Palmerston North on Friday 18 February and their opening encounter of the new season in Wellington on Friday 25 March against the Kings.