Australian Rugby
O'Neill to stand down in 2013
ESPNscrum Staff
October 18, 2011
Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill addresses the media during the Wallabies team announcement, Wellington, New Zealand, October 7, 2011
John O'Neill intends to stand down as ARU chief executive in two years' time © Getty Images
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In addressing the future of Robbie Deans as Wallabies head coach, Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive John O'Neill has revealed that he will quit his position in 2013.

Deans has come under pressure from some quarters to step down after Sunday's Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat by the All Blacks. However, the New Zealander signed a contract extension before the tournament which will take him up to and including the British & Irish Lions' tour of Australia in 2013.

O'Neill explained that he will play no part in any review of Deans' position before then or indeed in any negotiations with the former Crusaders regarding a new deal up to and including the 2015 World Cup given that he will be leaving his own job in two years' time.

"That won't be my call," O'Neill said when quizzed on whether Deans would be kept on. "My contract is up at the end of 2013 and it will not be a decision that will involve me.

"If I'd left as originally intended, 30 June next year, I would not have involved myself in Robbie's extension - that was in agreement with the board.

"The board that is in situ for 2013 will be making those calls and I'll be preparing to ride off, probably much to the relief of some people, into the sunset and it would be inappropriate for me to be involved in that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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