Robbie Deans not interested in taking Leinster job

Robbie Deans has ruled himself out of the running for the Leinster head coach position. The former Australia coach had been linked with the post after it was announced last week that Matt O’Connor had agreed to leave the club by mutual consent.

However, after talks with the club, the 55-year-old has now ruled out the possibility of moving to Dublin and committed himself to his current club, Japan’s Panasonic Wild Knights.

Deans, who won five Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, is in charge of the Barbarians team to face Ireland and England this week, but when asked about links with Leinster he denied claims that he was set for the job.

“I am currently contracted to Panasonic and I’m committed to that... I would say it is a very attractive job — for someone. It’s a great destination. It’s a great place to live and a great place to play the game, and a good competition.

“There will be someone very excited [about getting the job].”

Meanwhile the chances of Conor Murray playing for Munster in Saturday’s Pro12 decider against Glasgow are uncertain, but certainly the scrum-half’s World Cup ambitions appear to be very much intact.

The scrum-half suffering suspected medial collateral ligament damage to a knee during the win over Ospreys but the update provided by Ireland defence coach Les Kiss yesterday was very welcome indeed. “We have to wait for the result of scans which we haven’t heard yet. We’re hopeful that it isn’t anything too bad.”