Dane Coles To Captain Hurricanes

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has been named captain of the Hurricanes for 2016 and beyond.

Halfback TJ Perenara will be his deputy.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd called Coles the natural choice to replace Conrad Smith.

Boyd said Coles was selected after "consultation with particularly Conrad and then a little bit of due diligence around the place."

"The guy is deeply respected by the players here, heart is totally committed to our club, is Dane."

Coles himself said he was a bit of a hot head as a youngster.

"Funny where the rugby journey takes you, I never thought I'd be a captain but yeah, I can admit to myself that I've definitely come a long way."

"I had a few bumps on the road to get to where I am, but I've definitely learned from those lessons."

Boyd said Coles didn't immediately accept the role, but after taking time to think about what's involved he's excited by the prospect.

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