Rugby: Hundreds set to farewell Deans

The benefits from Robbie Deans' charity night will go to the Christchurch City Mission. Photo / Getty Images

It will be a full house tonight for a charity benefit to farewell outgoing Crusaders coach Robbie Deans.

The man who has been the driving inspiration behind the team since 2000 is making his move across the ditch, to take on the Wallabies coaching job at the end of the current Super 14 season.

A public farewell is being held in his honour at Christchurch Town Hall tonight.

The event sold out earlier this week. More than 800 people will listen to past and present rugby greats talk about Deans' career as a player and coach.

It will be followed by a more exclusive function which will include a charity auction - the benefits of the night will go to the City Mission at Robbie Deans' request.

The event will be hosted by Newstalk ZB radio presenter Malcolm Ellis.

- NEWSTALK ZB