KEY POINTS:
Robbie Deans says decisions on his coaching future have become tough since missing out on the All Blacks job and expects to be involved in further discussions with Australia.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) yesterday chose to re-appoint All Blacks coach Graham Henry, meaning Deans' immediate focus is with his Crusaders Super 14 side.
The Wallabies have expressed interest in Deans taking up their vacant coaching role and during a media conference this morning Deans said he expected to talk the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).
"I'm sure there will be some dialogue at some point, but for the moment I'm just going to take some time really," Deans said.
He said he had made it clear he was keen to coach again at international level, but that option was now not available in New Zealand.
Deans was John Mitchell's deputy during the All Blacks 2003 failed World Cup bid.
Decisions to turn down approaches about international coaching jobs had been easy while he was chasing the All Blacks coaching role, but that was no longer the case, Deans said today.
The ARU said yesterday it was aware Deans was interested in the Wallabies coaching job and looked forward to hearing from him.
"If there was a willingness from their side and they were keen to have me and I felt it was appropriate for me and my family now, then that could become a possibility ..., " Deans said when asked about the role.
"Obviously the Australians have expressed an interest...they have been very respectful in the way they have handled that..."
He said there was much to think about in the near future and all but ruled out a move to Europe, saying Super 14 was the toughest competition in the world and on a par with the some top international rugby.
"I wouldn't want to go into a contest where I wasn't challenged and extended."
He also said young and upcoming coaches such as Crusaders assistant Mark Hammett and Tasman coach Todd Blackadder were fast establishing themselves and indicated they would deserve a crack at top level rugby in the near future.
Deans said he had not spoken to Henry since the NZRU announced their decision.
He wouldn't be drawn on suggestions that Henry's reappointment was a done deal before the interviews and said he had faith in the selection process.
- NZPA
