Could Robbie Deans be the next Leinster coach

After the announcement this morning that Matt O’Connor was to be relieved of his duties as Leinster’s head coach, the bookmakers began giving their odds on Leinster’s next  coach with the likes of Les Kiss, Ewen Mckenzie and Mark McCall the early favourites. However there was a huge change in odds of a potential candidate with Robbie Deans going from 17/2 to odds on favourite at 1/4 after a flood of bets. Is this an indication that the former Wallabies boss could be in charge of the province for the start of next season.

If the bookies are correct in their predictions, than Leinster will be getting a coach with a wealth of experience at both Club and International level. The former All-Black is one of the most successful coaches in Super Rugby history after he guided the Crusaders to 5 titles during his 8 years at the club. In 2008 he became the first foreigner to take charge of the Wallabies where he was in charge for 5 years before resigning from his post after a series defeat to the British and Irish Lions in 2013. He was able to win the Tri-Nations with the Wallabies in 2011 but overall he experienced difficulties with the Australian press after a terrible winning record against New Zealand and also his troubled relationship with players. in particular his refusal to pick Quade Cooper in the final months of his tenure.

Deans is currently in charge of Japanese side Panasonic Wild Knights but an opportunity to coach in Europe might see him explore the idea of leaving Japan and taking charge of the three-time European champions. How convenient is that he will be making his way to the Emerald Isle next week to take charge of the Barbarians as they face Ireland at Thomond Park next Thursday, where talks could take place with the possibility of Deans replacing Matt O’Connor in the hot seat at Leinster.