This year will be the last for Dane Coles as a professional, with the All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker announcing he'll retire at the end of 2023.
The 36-year-old has 17 years worth of professional experience to his name across stints with the All Blacks, Hurricanes, Wellington at provincial level, and the Māori All Blacks.
Since his debut in 2012, Coles has played 84 tests for the All Blacks, with only Keven Mealamu and Sean Fitzpatrick making more appearances as a test hooker.
Coles was also the captain of the Hurricanes in 2016, when they won Super Rugby for the first time - and played through damage to his rib cartilage in the 20-3 final victory over the Lions.
What's more, Coles' 20 tries are second only to Richie McCaw (27 tries) and Kieran Read (26) for an All Blacks forward.
Coles will intend to finish the season as a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, when the All Blacks compete for an unprecedented fourth title at this year's tournament in France.
"I would like to congratulate Dane on an outstanding career that has brought fans so many special moments at all levels of the game," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.
"He has been an outstanding servant of the All Blacks, the Hurricanes and Wellington who always puts the team first.
"We look forward to celebrating this final year of his career with him and his family."
Coles is the latest All Blacks to confirm his post-2023 plans, coming after the trio of Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith and Brodie Retallick announced they will play in Japan in 2024.
