The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed Robbie Deans has been dumped as Wallabies coach.
Deans coached the national team in a record 74 Test matches since being appointed in 2008, but the ARU finally lost patience with the New Zealander after Saturday night’s 41-16 series-deciding loss to the British and Irish Lions.
The former All Black and most successful Super Rugby coach in history broke new ground when he became the first non-Australian to land the country’s most coveted coaching position.
Deans advised ARU chief executive Bill Pulver late on Monday of his decision to stand down.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Australian rugby for their support through the duration of my tenure,” he said.
“It has been a rewarding five years and I am proud of all that we have achieved.
“Most especially I would like to thank the players for their efforts and wish them all the best going forward.”
Pulver said Deans made a significant contribution to Australian rugby over a long period of time.
“Robbie came into the job in 2008, improved our away record almost immediately, delivered a Tri Nations title in 2011 and has been a significant part of a Lions tour that overshadows any other rugby event in Australia since the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and to build further on what is one of world rugby’s most impressive coaching resumes.
“As a consequence of a coaching review process that has been ongoing through 2013, we are also in a position to make a further announcement on the coaching position – and name Robbie’s replacement – later today.”
Queensland Reds coaching director Ewen McKenzie is set to be named as Deans’ successor at a media conference in Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon.