ROBBIE DEANS is expected to be reappointed Wallabies coach before the World Cup in September for at least two more seasons.
The chances of Deans being in charge of the Wallabies for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in two year’s time and even the 2015 World Cup have been dramatically boosted by John O’Neill accepting a contract extension that will keep him in charge of the Australian Rugby Union until the end of 2013.
O’Neill took the bold step of appointing Deans as the first foreign Wallabies coach after the team’s flawed 2007 World Cup campaign. Although Deans has experienced an exasperating three years, including a 10-Test losing streak to the All Blacks, the ARU chief executive has not lost faith in his national coach. Deans, whose four-year contract expires at the end of this year, also has influential ARU board members backing him.
It seems victories over South Africa in Bloemfontein, All Blacks in Hong Kong and France in Paris last year have taken the pressure off Deans, who has a success rate of 55.8 per cent from 24 wins and a draw in 43 Tests.
Wallabies players have made it known they want Deans to stay on after the World Cup, with one star telling the ARU he would go overseas if Deans left after the tournament.
It is anticipated Deans will be offered a two-year contract extension, with a two-year option, before the World Cup.