Former Wallabies coach ‘not interested’ in replacing Eddie Jones

Former Australia boss Robbie Deans has ruled himself out of a return to the position to take over the Wallabies’ coaching reins from Eddie Jones, who resigned from the position recently.

New Zealander Deans is the the Wallabies’ longest-serving head coach as he was in charge of the team for 75 Tests from 2008 to 2013 and he finished with a record of 44 wins, two draws and 29 losses.

Enjoyed great success with the Crusaders

The 64-year-old also had a successful stint with the Crusaders between 2000 and 2008 when he led the Christchurch-based outfit to five Super Rugby titles and he has also had success in Japan with the Saitama Wild Knights.

However, after his name popped up as a possible successor to Jones, who stepped down as Wallabies head coach in dramatic circumstances recently after a disastrous 10-month stint in charge of the team, Deans said he had no interest in returning to the position.

“I’m not (interested). You don’t go back,” Deans told AFP after the Wild Knights’ training session at Ballymore ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Queensland Reds.

“It’s never good to go back, I don’t think.

“And you’ve got what you need here. Yeah, you’ll solve it.”

Outgoing All Blacks head coach Ian Foster’s name has also popped up as a possible replacement for Jones, Deans believes Rugby Australia (RA) should look in their own backyard for someone to take charge of the team.

Former Wallabies assistants also in the running

Former Wallabies assistant coaches Dan McKellar and Stephen Larkham are amongst the early frontrunners, but RA chief executive Phil Waugh said his organisation won’t be making any hasty appointments.

“You’ve got a lot of passionate rugby people, just tap into those that care and you’ll find a way through it,” Deans said.

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