South Africa
Laporte, Deans to coach World XV against Springboks
ESPN Staff
May 29, 2015
Bernard Laporte
Bernard Laporte© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Bernard Laporte and Robbie Deans will take charge of the World XV for their match against South Africa on July 11.

Deans is currently presiding over the Barbarians on their latest tour while holding down the top job at Panasonic Wild Knights. Laporte has just guided Toulon to their third European title on the bounce and will hope to finish the season with another Top 14 title.

"Between them, Robbie and Bernard are two of the most experienced coaches in world rugby since the game turned professional two decades ago," said Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union (SARU). "Under Robbie, the Crusaders won five Super Rugby titles, he was also assistant All Blacks coach and took charge of the Wallabies for six years, including a victory in the Rugby Championship in 2011.

"Bernard's been one of the biggest names in French rugby. He coached their national side from 1999 to 2007, won the Six Nations four times, and has been with Toulon recently as they dominated the European rugby scene, with three consecutive victories in the Heineken and Champions Cups. The experience they bring to the World XV will make this a very formidable outfit and will provide the Springboks with a proper test as they get this very important season underway."

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