Robbie Deans to coach Barbarians

Robbie Deans will coach the Barbarians for their landmark meeting with New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium later this year. 

Deans, currently in charge of Japanese Top League champions Panasonic, led Australia from 2008-13 and is the most successful coach in Super Rugby history after winning five titles with the Crusaders.

He takes charge of the side for the match for the Killik Cup on November 4 and this will be his fourth spell in charge of the Barbarians. He coached the famous invitation team most recently in 2016 when they drew 31-31 with South Africa at Wembley.

The match celebrates the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the New Zealand Rugby Union and revives memories of famous meetings between the sides.

The 1973 encounter containing Gareth Edwards's famous try is recognised as one of the greatest matches in the sport's history and the Barbarians beat the All Blacks again in 2009 thanks to a hat-trick of tries from South Africa's Bryan Habana.

In the last three years the Barbarians have beaten Ireland, England, Samoa and Fiji, drawn with South Africa and scored five tries in a 40-36 defeat against Australia.