Robbie Deans
Coach of Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan.
Profile
In 2010, Robbie Deans became the only man to be directly associated with Tri Nations titles for two different countries, returning the trophy to Australian possession as head coach 10 years after they had last lifted it in 2001. In 2002 and 2003, the All Blacks, with Deans as coaching coordinator, defeated the reigning champions in two consecutive competitions as well as reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup for New Zealand for the first time in six seasons. During his two year coaching stint with the side, the All Blacks won 22 tests, drew one and lost just four for an incredible 81% success rate.
Previous experience
Coach: The first foreign-born Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans has coached more Tests than any other, including drought-breaking wins over the All Blacks (nine years) and South Africa (the first win in the country in three years, and the first on the highveldt in 47) in his debut year of 2008.
A former coach of the Crusaders, Robbie Deans has won more Super rugby titles than any other (three Super 12 titles and two Super 14). He has also coached the Canterbury provincial team in the National Provincial Championship, winning the title in 1997. As a player, he represented Canterbury on 146 occasions, first playing at fly half, and later fullback, as well as representing the All Blacks in 19 matches, including five Tests.
Awards: Robbie Deans was awarded the New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year Award in 2002, named the Sir Richard Hadlee Sports Trust’s Canterbury Coach of the Year in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2006, and nominated for the Halberg Award Coach of the Year in 2002.
