Rugby: Dane Coles' captaincy takes him out of comfort zone

Dane Coles. Photo / Getty Images.

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has been named captain of the Hurricanes for 2016 and beyond, something he admits will take him out of his comfort zone.

Speaking on Radio Sport, Coles admitted that the role will be a challenge for him but one he is excited to take on.

"It's taking me out of my comfort zone but it's something I think will make me a better person."

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."

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

"I had some time to sit on it and the more I thought about it the more I realised it was a good challenge for me and something I'm really looking forward to."

"I'm not much of a talker around the team huddles and stuff like that, I let my actions do the talking so that was probably my only concern."

However, Coles said there was plenty of experience he could draw upon in the Hurricanes squad.

"I talked to Conrad [Smith] a bit, got some advice from him and he said you're not by yourself, you've got some guys around you who can help you out.

"There's definitely a lot of experience in the team and I'll be drawing on those guys to help me out, and I'm sure the more time I have in the role the more comfortable I'll get as well."

Halfback TJ Perenara will be his deputy.