Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the Crusaders for next year with an option for 2009.
Deans has led the Crusaders to four Super Rugby titles and six final appearances in his eight seasons as coach.
NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said the Union was delighted to have retained the services of Deans.
“While New Zealand has been recognised for its playing depth in recent years, it is equally important to have depth and experience in our coaching ranks,” said Tew.
He said the effort to re-sign Robbie Deans had been a co-operative one involving the NZRU and the Crusaders.
He is the longest-serving coach in Super Rugby and 2008 will represent the ninth campaign Deans has had at the helm of the competition’s most successful team.
The Crusaders have won four titles, made two further finals and a semi-final in that time.
Deans had previously been involved as manager of the 1997-1999 Crusaders, while acting as Canterbury representative coach during that time.
During the just completed 12th crusade, he surpassed one hundred games in charge of the Crusaders, raising that milestone during the Crusaders’ 53-0 hammering of the Western Force at Jade Stadium at the start of April.
His future became the centre of media speculation earlier in the year, but Deans had consistently maintained that he has made no decisions as to his long-term future.
Deans – who had been linked to the Wallabies coaching job next year – has already been active in his preparation for the 13th ‘Crusade’ and is currently in the process of confirming the team’s pre-season activities.
Deans has led the Crusaders to four Super Rugby titles and six final appearances in his eight seasons as coach.
NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said the Union was delighted to have retained the services of Deans.
“While New Zealand has been recognised for its playing depth in recent years, it is equally important to have depth and experience in our coaching ranks,” said Tew.
He said the effort to re-sign Robbie Deans had been a co-operative one involving the NZRU and the Crusaders.
He is the longest-serving coach in Super Rugby and 2008 will represent the ninth campaign Deans has had at the helm of the competition’s most successful team.
The Crusaders have won four titles, made two further finals and a semi-final in that time.
Deans had previously been involved as manager of the 1997-1999 Crusaders, while acting as Canterbury representative coach during that time.
During the just completed 12th crusade, he surpassed one hundred games in charge of the Crusaders, raising that milestone during the Crusaders’ 53-0 hammering of the Western Force at Jade Stadium at the start of April.
His future became the centre of media speculation earlier in the year, but Deans had consistently maintained that he has made no decisions as to his long-term future.
Deans – who had been linked to the Wallabies coaching job next year – has already been active in his preparation for the 13th ‘Crusade’ and is currently in the process of confirming the team’s pre-season activities.
365 Digital
