Coles ruled out of Lions series

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles is unlikely to feature in the remainder of the Test series against the British & Irish Lions due to recurring concussion symptoms.

Coles has been battling a concussion injury since May, but the hooker was named in the All Blacks' initial Test squad for the Lions series regardless.

He was not considered for the opening Test in Auckland, which New  Zealand won 30-15, and coach Steve Hansen has since confirmed Coles will not be available for selection for the last two Tests and is also likely to sit out the Hurricanes' last two round-robin Super Rugby fixtures.

'He is clear of most of his symptoms and is back training. But because he is not fit enough to play Test rugby or Super Rugby, we have put him back into what we call a pre-season training block,' said Hansen.

'He will stay with us for the next three weeks then go back to his franchise and be back to play when he's ready and fit enough for the rigours of Super Rugby.'

Photo: Anthony Au Yeung/Getty Images

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