Australia appoint Deans

New Zealander Robbie Deans has been named as Australia's new coach.

Former All Black becomes first overseas coach of the Wallabies

New Zealander Robbie Deans has been named as Australia's new coach. Deans will be allowed a final season in charge of Super 14 side the Canterbury Crusaders before crossing the Tasman to become the first non-Australian to take charge of the Wallabies. The 48-year-old was overlooked for the All Blacks job when the New Zealand Rugby Union opted to retain the services of incumbent coach Graham Henry, despite their disappointing World Cup campaign. Australian Rugby Union chairman Peter McGrath was delighted to have secured Deans' services. "Robbie comes with a superb record and I am delighted to announce he will be joining the ARU," said McGrath. "The ARU Board presented the selection panel with a brief to find the most outstanding candidate. "We as a board consider this appointment satisfies that objective. "The Australian public would expect nothing less from us and we see this as a new start for Australian rugby. In terms of our playing ranks, we are on the doorstep of generational change. "We believe Robbie Deans is the man to move us into that new era. He has created history today by becoming the first non-Australian to coach the Wallabies. "We trust there are further historic achievements awaiting him and the Wallabies over the next four years on the road to the 2011 World Cup."