Dane Coles appointed Hurricanes captain

Wellington - New Zealand international hooker Dane Coles will captain the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Super Rugby next season.

Head coach Chris Boyd said on Tuesday he had consulted outgoing captain Conrad Smith before appointing Coles, who has had discipline issues on and off the field.

Smith has left to take up a contract with the French club Pau.

Boyd said Coles "is deeply respected by the players (and his) heart is totally committed to our club."

Coles said "I had a few bumps on the road to get to where I am but I've definitely learned from those lessons" and felt he was ready for the captaincy.

Scrumhalf T.J. Perenara has been appointed vice-captain.