All Blacks hooker Dane Coles is in major doubt for the Test series against the British & Irish Lions.

Coles has been sidelined with concussion since 18 March, and will not play for the Hurricanes against the Chiefs in Wellington on Friday.

'It's bad news for the All Blacks and bad news for all of New Zealand really,' said Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree.

'He hasn't been able to train hard enough at this stage. It's hard to say whether he'll be available for any of the Tests or the first Test.'

Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor is expected to wear the All Blacks No 2 jersey in Coles' absence.

Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images