Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Dane Coles: Club rugby chaos, Hurricanes title hopes and All Blacks insight
Sport Nation • June 18th, 2026 10:33 am
Dane Coles | Photo: Photosport
Dane Coles is back in the real world of rugby, and it’s exactly as loose as you’d expect.
The former All Black is now coaching at his old club Paraparaumu, juggling grassroots footy, a bit of work on the tools and helping out with New Zealand Rugby. It’s a long way from test match environments and the difference hits pretty quickly.
“You’ve got plan A, B, C… you turn up game day, it's plans E, F, G.” Coles joked with Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
“You get the old danger hour from 5.30 to 6.30 where people find an excuse not to train.”
Away from club land, Coles has been watching the Hurricanes’ run closely, and it’s brought back a few memories of 2016.
“It’s just more excitement I reckon… just really proud of what they’ve given themselves a chance to do.
"I think everyone in New Zealand was stoked that the Crusaders were not in the final."
When it comes to how the Super Rugby Pacific final will be decided between the Hurricanes and Chiefs this Saturday, as expected, he’s looking up front.
“I’m a front rower, mate, keep it simple… I reckon the set piece will be a massive, massive battle.”
He’s also backing the new All Blacks coaching group to make their mark.
“I think Renz (Dave Rennie) will be awesome, mate… everyone speaks really highly of him.
“(Neil) Barnes… he won’t take any shit. He’ll tell them straight.”
“(Neil) Barnes… he won’t take any shit. He’ll tell them straight.”
From club rugby realities, to Hurricanes finals chat, and All Blacks insight - this is Colesy as you remember him.
Listen to the full interview below:
