Spending nearly a year on the sideline has convinced world class hooker Dane Coles to extend his contract with New Zealand rugby.
Hurricanes captain Coles has signed a deal through to 2021, hoping he'll get more game time than last year, which he spent mostly recovering from a serious knee injury before playing in four season-ending Tests.
At his best, the 32-year-old has been among the world's premier hookers, with his dynamic play in open field a feature of his 60 Tests.
"I still feel like there are things that I want to achieve in New Zealand with teams that mean a lot to me," Coles said.
"Missing all of last year's Super Rugby season with injury made me realise just how much I missed being out there for the Hurricanes and I want more time in the jersey."
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Coles was the starting hooker in the 2015 World Cup final win over the Wallabies and led the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby crown a year later.
He faces a challenge for the Test No.2 jersey at this year's World Cup.
Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor was named men's player of the year at the 2018 New Zealand Rugby awards.
