Deans to help Mitchell
October 23, 2001

All Blacks coach John Mitchell on Tuesday named Robbie Deans as his coaching co-ordinator for the next two years.

Mitchell said Deans (pictured) would have responsibility for coaching the All Blacks' backline, as well as co-ordinating the work of several specialists, as yet unnamed, who would help the team in a variety of areas.

Deans, a former All Blacks and Canterbury fullback, will retain his job as the Crusaders' Super 12 coach.

Mitchell said he was delighted to have Deans alongside him. "I have no doubt he will make a considerable contribution to the success of the All Blacks over the next two years," he said.

Deans said he was excited by the challenge ahead. "Being part of the All Blacks' environment is the ultimate for anyone involved in New Zealand rugby and I'm looking forward to getting down to work straight away."

New Zealand Rugby Football Union chief executive David Rutherford said the appointment of Deans, and that of Taranaki's Colin Cooper as the Crusaders' assistant coach, was further recognition of the coaching development programmes of the Canterbury and Taranaki unions.

Mitchell was appointed All Blacks coach through to the 2003 World Cup on October 3, succeeding Wayne Smith, who held the job for two years. - Sapa

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