Deans to coach Barbarians

Former Australia head coach Robbie Deans will oversee the Barbarians for their two fixtures against Ireland and their game against England in May.

Deans led the Wallabies from 2008 to 2013, a spell that included their series defeat by the British and Irish Lions, and has so far named Australia fly-half Berrick Barnes, New Zealand lock George Whitelock and Argentina scrum-half Tomas Cubelli in his squad.

“I count my trips back to the UK as special times in my rugby coaching career and a couple of fixtures against the third and fourth ranked rugby nations in a World Cup year are an exciting prospect,” Deans said.

"The Barbarians are an iconic team with a special place in rugby’s history and it is a privilege to be invited to be their coach. Their performances against England and Australia last year were outstanding and that is the standard we have to uphold."