0
The Australian Rugby Union has announced that Robbie Deans will coach the Wallabies for the next four years.
Deans becomes the first foreigner to coach the national side.
The appoinment of Deans comes as no surprise, as he was the firm favourite after being overlooked for the All Blacks job. Deans will give up his coaching position at the Crusaders to step into Australia's national role.
The decision is likely to upset the Australian candidates; Ewen McKenzie, David Nucifora, Alan Jones, Laurie Fisher and John Muggleton. Apart from losing out to a New Zealander, the Australians have been through a testing experience which included lodging their applications before the cut-off deadline, facing extensive interviews and being put in a holding pattern while Deans's All Black fate was decided.
Dean's appointment is seen by many as a masterstroke, but there are also plenty of Wallabies supporters who feel the role should have been reserved for an Australian.
By WWOS staff
11:00 AEST Fri Dec 14 2007