Deans off to lead the Knights

 

Deans, who has also coached the Christchurch-based Crusaders and served as an All Blacks assistant coach, will take over from Norifumi Nakajima.

 

Nakajima spent three seasons in charge at Panasonic, leading the club to the Top League title and the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship in his final season.

 

Deans parted company with the Australian Rugby Union after the Wallabies lost the British and Irish Lions Test series 2-1 in June and July last year.

 

He has maintained a good relationship with the Wild Knights on an informal basis for nearly 10 years.

 

At the Wild Knights, Deans will be working with the likes of Berrick Barnes and JP Pietersen, while the side is captained by impressive Rebels and Japan international hooker Shota Horie.

 

The terms of Deans' contract with the club have not been made known.

 

"I am very glad that I can continue the relationship this way," Deans said in a statement.

 

"I have enjoyed building a strong team with [Wild Kinights] players, staff and officials and I enjoyed watching them play."

 

Deans coached the Wallabies for six years from 2008, winning 43 Tests, losing 29 and drawing twice. The Wallabies finished third in the 2011 World Cup under his watch.

 

As a player, Deans represented Canterbury and played five Tests for the All Blacks.