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Robbie Deans says decisions on his coaching future have become tough since missing out on the All Blacks job and he expects to be involved in further discussions with Australia.
The New Zealand Rugby Union on Friday chose to re-appoint Graham Henry, meaning Deans' immediate focus is his Crusaders Super 14 side.
The Wallabies have expressed interest in Deans taking up their vacant coaching role and during a media conference yesterday 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 had made 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.
Turning 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 yesterday.
The ARU said 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.
"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.
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
