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

Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree has cast major doubt over Dane Coles' availability for the British and Irish Lions series.

Plumtree said the All Blacks' first choice hooker, who has been out with concussion since March 18, would not feature for the Hurricanes in Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Chiefs in Wellington.

He said it was looking highly unlikely Coles would be ready to face the Lions, with the first test on June 24 in Auckland.

"It's bad news for the All Blacks and bad news for all of New Zealand really," Plumtree said.

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"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 rake Codie Taylor will likely start for the All Blacks in Coles' absence.