Deans set for All Blacks’ top job

NEW Zealand media outlets suggest Robbie Deans will be appointed All Black coach next week and he is expected to approach Clermont boss Vern Cotter, whose side lost to Munster yesterday in Thomond Park, to become his assistant.

The departure of Warren Gatland to become Wales coach is understood to have removed Deans’ only serious opponent for the post, and while the All Black coaching job deadline is November 26, and all Super 14 and provincial coaches as well as the incumbent All Black coaches have been invited to apply, Deans is expected to be appointed the new boss.

Currently coach of the Crusaders in the Super 14, Deans is well known to the NZRU having served as All Black coaching co-ordinator between 2001 and 2003 under head coach John Mitchell.