Deans rules out taking over as Stormers coach

Former Wallabies and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has ruled out the possibility of him taking over as coach of the Stormers in Cape Town.

The Stormers are without a coach for next year’s Super Rugby tournament after the departure of Allister Coetzee.

Deans was in Cape Town over the weekend coaching a World XV team against a non cap South African side.

Deans is Super Rugby’s most succesful coach from his time with the Crusaders but he said that the Stormers have not officially offered him a position and the same applies for all South African side.

South Africa need five Super Rugby coaches for next year as only the Lions have their coach appointed but Deans says that he will not be in charge of a South African Super Rugby side.

Deans said that even though he has a three year deal coaching in Japan he has been offered coaching positions from other Super Rugby sides but did not reveal who they were.

“Not South African ones, no,” Deans told Sport24.

“I had a brief conversation with Gert (Smal, Stormers Director of Rugby). I actually do a bit of work with some of the guys from down here like (current Western Province defence coach) Paul Treu. I take an interest in the game.

“I won’t be accepting the Stormers role, if that’s your question. But it’s a great opportunity for somebody. There’s a real talent pool here. The Stormers will win Super Rugby at some point.”

Deans said that with three children living in different places around the world coaching in Japan suits his lifestyle as it is quite central.