New Zealand Rugby Union

New Zealand Rugby Union

McBeth: Deans fiasco handled well

Dec 21, 2007 By John McBeth
The New Zealand Rugby Union has surprised me in its reaction to the appointment of Robbie Deans as coach of the Wallabies, and the surprise has been very pleasant.

In my most recent column I expressed an unwavering belief that Deans would have "absolutely no chance of performing his current role" once he took over the reins of the top Australian rugby coaching job.

I was wrong.

The next day, the now retired CEO Chris Moller emerged to say that Deans would be continuing with the Crusaders' team for 2008. This was met with delight from the Crusaders region and surprise from most other quarters, including probably Deans himself.

Clearly this is a decision made on trust and integrity, and suggests that Graham Henry is quite relaxed about the Wallaby coach residing in New Zealand and having control over some of the top All Blacks for the early part of 2008.

I also suggested last week that the NZRU would not allow Deans out of his New Zealand contract without a fight. That seems to be far from the case.

Although there are "protocols to be agreed and contractual terms to be resolved" it does appear the NZRU has been very mature in its handling of this issue. Hopefully the protocols and contracts will be sorted out without any undue delay or problems.

What was just as pleasing was that Moller paid public tribute to Deans, admitting they were "disappointed to be losing a coach of Robbie's calibre".

So it seems everything is now rosy, calm and settled and Deans can move across to Sydney with no distractions.

But one intriguing side effect of New Zealand's most successful Super coach switching allegiances, is the amount of publicity he and the Wallabies will now receive here.

Already in the week since Deans' appointment we have seen Deans himself, current Wallaby players and Australian critics featuring far more prominently than any New Zealand rugby newsmakers.

It is not likely to change much either, especially when the Super 14 begins and the first All Black/Wallaby test approaches.

So the NZRU will need to be even more vigilant and smart in their handling of the news.
This might be quite an early test for the new CEO, Steve Tew.
Source: ONE Sport