Former All Black fullback Robbie Deans will coach the Wallabies on a four year deal, making him the first foreign coach of Australia’s flagship national team.
Yet in a surprise, the New Zealand Rugby Union is allowing the 2001-03 All Black assistant to complete his contract to coach the Crusaders in 2008.
NZRU chief executive Chris Moller says while it is disappointing to lose a coach of Deans’ calibre to another country, the NZRU board and management understood his desire to coach at the international level.
“In an ideal world, we would be able to retain all of our top coaches in this country but we have seen over a number of years that the depth and talent of coaching in this country means we can’t keep all of them in New Zealand and still meet their aspirations for higher coaching opportunities.
“Robbie has made a substantial contribution to New Zealand, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby as a player, manager and coach over a long period of time. We believe it is only fair that he be given this opportunity, despite the obvious concern about losing one of our best coaches to another country’s national side.”
The Board of the NZRU, at its meeting on Wednesday, decided that in the event he was successful in his application to the Australian Rugby Union, Robbie Deans would be allowed to remain as coach of the Crusaders in 2008, subject to a number of protocols being agreed and the resolution of contractual terms.
“We will work through a process with the Crusaders and with Robbie and his management to ensure those protocols, which are intended to protect the interests of New Zealand rugby, are understood and agreed,” says Moller.
Crusaders Chairman Murray Ellis says the Crusaders are pleased with the outcome, which is the result of a lot of hard work from all parties to reach an understanding that works for everyone.
The appointment is sure to spark debate in Australia over having a non-Australian at the Wallaby helm, while questions will be raised in both Australasian nations as to a significant conflict of interest in coaching the Crusaders and many of the same players who will be lining up against the Wallabies come July.
