Deans rules himself out of Wallabies job

Crusaders rugby coach Robbie Deans has distanced himself from the Wallabies' job, saying it was not an option.

"I'm committed to the Crusaders," he told a Christchurch daily newspaper today.

Debate about who will fill the spot left by the axed Eddie Jones heated up this week after New South Wales coach Ewen McKenzie said he was not keen yet on the job and wouldn't be applying for it.

There has been speculation in Australia that Deans was a strong candidate for the job after his success with the Crusaders.

Deans was reluctant to discuss the topic although he said no-one from the Australian Rugby Union had contacted him "directly".

"I'm aware they are advertising the job and I was made aware of that ... (but) it's not an option," he said.

- NZPA