Robbie Deans. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The Australian Rugby Union says it knows Robbie Deans is keen to coach the Wallabies, and is awaiting his telephone call.
Deans has rocketed back into contention for the Wallabies job, which could be decided by next Thursday, after Graham Henry held off his challenge for the All
Blacks' position.
The ARU was quick to roll out the welcome mat at its Sydney headquarters, to intense media interest.
"It's commonly known that Robbie Deans is interested in the position but it's entirely up to Robbie to express that to us," ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll said.
"If he should become interested in the position then it's something for the ARU board to consider."
Carroll was referring to a much-publicised meeting between Deans and ARU chief executive John O'Neill in Paris on the eve of the World Cup final in October.
At the time Deans told O'Neill his top priority was the All Blacks job and subsequently did not apply for the Wallabies, leaving the ARU to wait until yesterday's decision.
Deans has been a regular on Australian sports pages as the top contender, with reports claiming the ARU would pay him A$1 million a year.
Meanwhile, former All Blacks coach John Mitchell has slammed Henry's reappointment, believing politics has counted against the best candidate, Deans.
Western Force coach Mitchell, who was replaced by Henry after the failed 2003 World Cup campaign, was irate at the board's decision and fired a broadside at officials.
"Robbie was clearly the best man for the job. It's a great shame that politics continues to contaminate the process. Now New Zealand's loss could well be Australia's gain."
