Dane Coles on surprise move to Japan, missing World Cup final

2 Nov 2023

1 News

Departing All Black Dane Coles says he's looking forward to giving his career one last swansong, confirming he's signed with Japanese club Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay.

Speaking exclusively to 1News after arriving at Kapiti Coast Airport in Paraparaumu after the team travelled back from France, he quipped "News travels fast eh?!"

The hooker was due to have already played his final game of rugby in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final win over Ireland, but said the new contract offer came around quickly.

"Yeah that's a bit of surprise but actually looking forward to it. It just came during the bye week. They needed a hooker obviously with Malcolm Marx going down," Coles said.

"I think my wife was more keen than I was to be fair! Bit of an adventure to take the kids.

"Whatever happens in Japan won't determine my rugby career, it's just more an adventure."

In what was a heart-wrenching decision by departing coach Ian Foster, Coles was left out of the squad for the final against the Springboks which the All Blacks lost 12-11 in Paris.

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles. (Source: Photosport)

"It was easy mate. I kind of knew it was coming, just the way Samisoni and Codie were going. It was an easy week for me, it's always about the team and I just put my emotions aside and tried to help the boys.

"I've learned in this game, mate, that there's no guarantees, whoever gets the job deserves it, so there's no resentment towards Foz, he's got enough on his plate to worry about than an old hooker dropping his lip," the 36-year-old said.

Regardless, Coles could barely hold his emotions as he melted into the arms of his children waiting for him in Paraparaumu.

"It's good being back with family after a big couple of months, it's quite cool being back in New Zealand. I thought we might be enemy number one but everyone has been really positive and there's been a lot of support," Coles said.