Departing All Blacks hooker Dane Coles' next rugby move has been revealed and it doesn't involve hanging up his boots just yet.
Kubota Spears have confirmed Coles will join them for 2023/24 season in Japan's League One, after previously announcing he would retire from professional rugby at the end of the year.
The 90–test veteran will join teammates Richie Mo'unga, Brodie Retallick, and Aaron Smith, who are also Asia-bound after the World Cup.
Coles, 36, played his final test for the All Blacks in the famous quarter-final win against Ireland. He was overlooked for the final in a decision coach Ian Foster described as "probably the toughest I have had as a coach."
In 11 international seasons, Coles has become the third most-capped hooker in All Blacks history behind Keven Mealamu (132) and Sean Fitzpatrick (92).
He also made 140 appearances for the Hurricanes, who helped lead to a Super Rugby title in 2016.
On Wednesday, the All Blacks squad touched back down in New Zealand to a heroes' welcome at Auckland International Airport.
