Aussies back boss Deans

AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union chairman Peter McGrath believes Robbie Deans is the right man to lead the Wallabies into a bright new future.

New Zealander Deans beat Ewen McKenzie, Alan Jones, David Nucifora, Laurie Fisher and John Muggleton for the prized job, and McGrath is adamant that the right person has been chosen.

“I believe we’ve got the best person for the job,” McGrath said.

“This is about what’s good for Australian rugby. That’s been the focus — the best man for the job — and what’s good for the Wallabies.”

It is the first time in Wallabies history that a non-Australian has been appointed as head coach of the national side.

But ARU deputy chief executive officer Matt Carroll believes the appointment is a sign of the times, and that the choice to select Deans should be embraced.

“Rugby has been professional since 1995, which is not a long time, so this is maturing of the sport where Australian rugby endorses the best coach for our Wallaby team,” he said.

“This is an international game. You can’t go out there saying we have to have an Australian — what we have to have is the best coach.

“In the future we might have an English coach — God forbid — you never know, that’s where it could end up. Times are a changing.”

Carroll continued: “I’m sure all Australians want to make sure we’ve got the best coach to make sure the Wallabies can win (and) I’m sure the Wallaby fans will be delighted.”

Deans became the front runner for the position after New Zealand Rugby officials overlooked the Canterbury Crusaders chief for the All Blacks job when they opted to retain the services of incumbent coach Graham Henry.

Deans, the most successful provincial coach in Super rugby history with the Canterbury Crusaders, has a four-year contract which will see him take the Wallabies to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Said New Zealand Rugby Union NZRU chief executive Chris Moller: “In an ideal world, we would be able to retain all of our top coaches in this country,” said Moller.

“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 and still meet their aspirations for higher coaching opportunities,” he said.

They had agreed this week that if Deans was appointed to the Australian role, he would be allowed to remain as coach of the Crusaders next year, subject to contractual negotiations.

“We will work through a process with the Crusaders and with Robbie and his management.”