New Zealand rugby
Coles and Thrush recommit to New Zealand
ESPN Staff
June 25, 2013
Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles looks for support, Hurricanes v Melbourne Rebels, Super Rugby, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, May 26, 2012
Hooker Dane Coles received praise from Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett © PA Photos
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Two of the newer All Blacks in the national side, hooker Dane Coles and lock Jeremy Thrush, have re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, their Hurricanes franchise and Wellington province.

Coles, who has played six Tests for the All Blacks, more than 50 games for the Hurricanes and 66 matches for Wellington, has signed for three more seasons through to the end of 2016, while Thrush, who made his Test debut in the recent Steinlager Series against France and is a senior member of the Hurricanes with close to 80 caps and 65 for Wellington, has signed through to 2015.

Dane Coles said: "I am really proud of what I have achieved so far with Wellington, the Hurricanes and All Blacks but keen to build on that so I was definitely keen to re-sign for the next few years. I just want to work on all aspects of my game, keep working hard and keep getting better."

Jeremy Thrush said he was more than happy to recommit to New Zealand Rugby.

"I have been loving my footy in recent times with Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. The last few weeks with the All Blacks has been pretty special, especially making my Test debut, and I'm going to work hard and add to that if I get the opportunity."

All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen said: "I want to congratulate both players on recommitting to New Zealand Rugby. They are outstanding men, we were really impressed with the way they prepared and played in the Steinlager Series and look forward to working with them over the next few years."

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett said: "Both these players epitomise the attitude and commitment we seek within the Hurricanes and it is fantastic news they have committed to the team till 2015 and 2016. They are both strong leaders and we are delighted to have them on board.

"Dane continues to work hard and puts in the extras required to reach the next level. He is a team man and his contribution to the Hurricanes is invaluable. Seeing Thrushy make his All Blacks debut was a real highlight. His commitment and perseverance to the Hurricanes and Wellington was rewarded and we know he will strive hard to reach that again."

Coles and Thrush join a large group of recent All Blacks who have committed to New Zealand rugby for the next few seasons, including captain Richie McCaw, playmaker Daniel Carter and props Ben Franks and Wyatt Crockett and lock Brodie Retallick (all signed to 2015).

The All Blacks most-capped prop Tony Woodcock and fellow props Owen Franks and Charlie Faumuina, hookers Hikawera Elliot and Corey Flynn, lock Luke Romano, loose forward Victor Vito, scrum-halves Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis and Aaron Smith, fly-halves Aaron Cruden, midfielder Conrad Smith and outside backs Israel Dagg and Cory Jane have all committed through to 2014.

© ESPN Australia / New Zealand

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