Unsuccessful All Blacks coaching candidate Robbie Deans has been granted a late interview for the vacant Wallabies job, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said on Sunday.
Deans, who missed out on the All Blacks position when the New Zealand Rugby Union decided to reappoint incumbent Graham Henry on Friday, had now asked to be considered for the Australian job.
ARU chairperson Peter McGrath said in a statement he had asked the selection panel to interview the Canterbury Crusaders coach later this week. The panel has so far interviewed Laurie Fisher, Alan Jones, Ewen McKenzie, John Muggleton and David Nucifora.
”This in no way derails or affects the timing of the process already under way,” McGrath said in the statement.
”If late in the day a coach with a record worth considering comes forward, then we should avail ourselves of the opportunity to interview him and include him in the process along with the other candidates.
”The direction from the board to the selection panel was to find the best person and the ARU remains committed to that position.
”As a result, it is incumbent on the selection panel to interview any interested person that might be considered a genuine candidate for the position as Wallabies coach.”
Deans had been tipped as the favourite for the New Zealand position after the NZRU made the job contestable following the All Blacks’ World Cup quarterfinal loss to France.
The former All Blacks fullback has fashioned an impressive coaching resume with the Crusaders, guiding them to four Super titles, two other finals and a semifinal in eight seasons and was an assistant All Blacks coach from 2001 to 2003. Australian media have reported that Deans was the preferred candidate of ARU chief executive John O’Neill for the Wallabies job despite withdrawing from the selection process to chase the All Blacks position.
The ARU board will consider the recommendation of the selection panel on Thursday and Friday. – Reuters