New Zealand
Robbie Deans 'better for Wallabies experience'
ESPN Staff
December 10, 2013
Australia coach Robbie Deans sets his sights on the Lions tour, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, May 1, 2013
Robbie Deans says coaching is "all I've done for 17 years" © Getty Images
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Robbie Deans may be close to a return to rugby's coaching ranks, saying at a weekend charity cricket match in his home town of Christchurch that "we'll get serious after Christmas".

Deans has been living in Sydney out of the rugby spotlight since he was sacked as Wallabies coach after the 2-1 series defeat by the British & Irish Lions in July, but he said in an exclusive interview with New Zealand's 3 News at the cystic fibrosis fundriaser that coaching is "all I've done for 17 years, and I still have passion for it".

Deans would not be drawn when asked if he would be moving to the northern hemisphere or remaining closer to home, saying "there's always choice".

"Just like the players, there are things on the go, but we need conversations with the family on which way we want to go," Deans told 3 News.

The Australian Rugby Union sacked Deans with a 58% winning record, and he was criticised for the often dour manner in which his team played - something brought into focus subsequently by the more attacking brand of rugby played by Australia under the New Zealander's successor, Ewen McKenzie. But Deans told 3 News that he had walked away from the Wallabies position "happy" and "better for the experience".

Deans was reported a week after parting company with the Wallabies to have been "shortlisted" to replace Vern Cotter at French Top 14 club Clermont Auvergne when his fellow New Zealander takes the Scotland job in 2014.

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