Hurricanes duo re-sign

New Zealand Rugby has announced the re-signing of two of the newer All Blacks, Hurricanes and Wellington duo, hooker Dane Coles, and lock Jeremy Thrush.

Coles, who has played six Tests for the All Blacks has signed through to the end of 2016. He is a veteran of more than 50 games for the Hurricanes and has played 66 games for Wellington.

Thrush made his Test debut in the recent June series against France and has re-signed through to 2015. Despite only recently breaking into the All Blacks squad, Thrush has nearly 80 caps for the Hurricanes and 65 for Wellington.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was pleased with their recent work in the black jersey and sees them as an integral part of the national side in the future.

“I want to congratulate both players on recommitting to New Zealand Rugby,” Hansen said.

“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.”

The 26-year-old Coles Is being rewarded for years of hard work and hopes to add to his six Test caps he has collected since his debut on last years end of year tour.

“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,” Coles said.

He was also pleased to see long time Wellington teammate Thrush finally crack the All Blacks.

“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.”

Thrush, 28, has played six seasons with Wellington and last year was promoted to captain, a role he flourished in, allowing him to find the form necessary to be selected for the All Blacks.

“I have been loving my footy in recent times with Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks,” Thrush said.

“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.”

Coles and Thrush join a large group of recent All Blacks who have committed to New Zealand rugby for the next few years, most importantly 2015 and the defence of the World Cup.

In particular the forward pack looks strong after retaining captain Richie McCaw, front rowers Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Hika Elliot, Corey Flynn and the Franks brothers to 2015. Also re-signed to 2015 are lock forwards Luke Romano and Brodie Retallick, and loose-forward Victor Vito.

Daniel Carter has been signed to 2015, meanwhile key backline players Piri Weepu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden, who all started in the 2011 World Cup Final, are signed to 2014.

Article source: http://asia.eurosport.com/rugby-league/lowes-leaves-england-role_sto3816452/story.shtml

Hurricanes duo re-sign