SYDNEY - Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has not ruled himself out as a contender for the Wallaby job next year.
The Australian Rugby Union may yet consider a foreigner to succeed John Connolly after the World Cup.
Connolly hasn't written off continuing on after the World Cup endsin October, but has indicated he would probably retire after the tournament.
That could pave the way for the likes of Deans, who comes off contract in June, and is far and away the most successful coach in Super rugby history, having steered the Crusaders to four titles and six finals.
"You don't rule anything out, you've got a great climate," Deans joked. "You've got your good footballers. Who knows, I don't know. To be honest, I'm not thinking beyond the challenges I've got here which I really continue to enjoy."
Even if he didn't land the Wallabies job, Deans could end up being courted by any Australian Super 14 team should they lose their coach to the national job.
A number of Australian-born coaches are likely to be considered, including the Brumbies' Laurie Fisher, the Waratahs' Ewen McKenzie and current Wallaby assistant coaches Michael Foley and Scott Johnson, and Blues coach David Nucifora.
ARU high performance general manager Pat Wilson made it clear the criteria for the Wallaby coaching job wouldn't preclude a foreigner from holding the post.
"The key criteria will be the best possible candidate, that's our priority objective," Wilson said. "He [Deans] falls within that criteria."
