72-641: Robert Maxwell Deans (born 4 September 1959) is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the head coach of Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights . He was head coach of the Australian national team between 2008 and 2013. Deans previously coached the Crusaders for eight seasons and was an assistant coach of New Zealand between late 2001 and 2003. As the coach of the Crusaders, Deans won three Super 12 titles and two Super 14). He also coached Canterbury in
144-604: A Cambridge Blue jersey and navy blue shorts, blue having a long sporting association with the state and a famous rivalry with the red/maroon colour of Queensland. Longtime sponsors HSBC feature on the front of the jersey. The Waratahs wore the HSBC logo for the final time when they played Argentina in August 2013. The 2014 season saw Volvo as the Waratahs new major sponsor, after a number of years being minor sponsors with 'sleeve presence' on
216-405: A good level of depth among our player base, there are some quality people in place around the team, and some highly promising coaches coming through. Their time is coming. It would not have been right to delay their potential development by hanging on for too long. I'm proud of my association with Canterbury rugby, the Crusaders, Christchurch and the wider Crusaders franchise community. [...] Although
288-477: A hand in several others, but it was also a showcase to reveal the Tahs new weapon; Israel Folau . Folau highlighted Cheika's intent scoring a hat-trick of tries in what was soon to be a season of all-out attack by the Waratahs. Not only did the Waratahs score the most points in the opening match out of any team with a 43–21 score, but they also had the second largest winning margin of 22 points. The Waratahs went on to win
360-478: A historic double championship Top League and All-Japan Rugby Football Championship during the 2013–14 season. On 21 April 2014, it was confirmed that former Wallabies and Crusaders Head Coach Robbie Deans would become the new coach of Panasonic Wild Knights. In August 2021, it relocated from the Ōta No.2 Soccer-Rugby Ground (太田市第２サッカー・ラグビー場) in Ōta city , Gunma prefecture to Kumagaya Rugby Ground , Kumagaya , Saitama prefecture , 13 kilometers south of
432-435: A new expansive style of rugby implemented which gave birth to exciting running rugby, bringing dwindling crowds back in force with home games averaging at around 19,152 people in attendance. The running intent of Michael Cheika was quickly revealed after the team saw two fly halves announced in the starting game against Western Force . The Waratahs opening match not only saw Kurtley Beale's return, scoring one try and having
504-614: A new future for the sport in Japan and a fully professional structure would help clubs like the Wild Knights to attract better players. Immediately prior to the launch of the Top League in 2003, the club renamed the name to "Sanyo Wild Knights". In the maiden season of the Top League, the club finished in 7th but did manage to win the Fair Play Award for 2003–04. The league that year was won by
576-527: A parade through Sydney and a reception at Town Hall. It was also around this time that they formally adopted the Waratahs name. Matches against Queensland would soon resume also. The 1930s were a particularly successful time for NSW. The height of the success of NSW is best represented by the defeat of the South African Springboks in 1937 at the SCG. NSW Rugby Union would also perform strongly throughout
648-620: A satisfactory draw against other title contenders the Stormers . The Waratahs faced the Reds in the final round with a win securing second place, combined with a home semi-final win over the Sharks, moved them up to their first Super 14 final against the Crusaders, which they later lost 12–20. In the last two seasons of the Super14 format, the Waratahs failed to make the final on both occasions after narrowly missing
720-491: A show of force in their performance against an in-form Brumbies team, decimating them 26-8 granting the Waratahs a home final. The final, held at Stadium Australia , was host to 61,823 spectators. With two tries a piece, six penalties each, and the Crusaders up 32–30, only one conversion made the difference. The turning point in the game was a penalty at the 79th minute by the famous New Zealand flanker, Richie McCaw 45 metres out. Bernard Foley 's penalty 45m out right in front of
792-573: A surprise loss to Ireland in pool play, finishing second in their pool and going on to defeat South Africa 11-9 before another loss to the All Blacks (20-6) in the semi-final. In the final two seasons of Deans' time as the coach of Australia, he became unpopular with the Australian media and public and was referred to as "Dingo" Deans, although the nickname had actually originated in New Zealand after Deans
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#1732887323257864-511: A two-year ban from the game, marring a season that had promised so much. The 2007 Super 14 season was the most disappointing for the team and its supporters with the Waratahs winning only three games, against the lions, the wooden spoon winning Reds, and the Hurricanes in the final round gaining a final placing of 13th out of 14. Despite the poor performance the 2007 season saw the emergence of teenage rugby prodigy Kurtley Beale and proved to be
936-547: A vital rebuilding stage in the Waratahs super 14 championship run. The 2008 season began well for the NSW Waratahs, with solid pre-season wins and a solid opening game victory against the Hurricanes 20–3. The 'Tahs secured their 500th win since their formation in their Fourth round match against the Brumbies . After starting the season in a slow but solid manner the 'Tahs began to play their best rugby in their mid season match with
1008-542: Is awarded to the best Waratahs player at the end of each season: ( As of 5 August 2024 ) All head coaches of the New South Wales Waratahs since the Super Rugby era (1980s), listed by order of the first game in charge of the team are: Statistics in this section include only those pertaining to Super Rugby matches (1996–present). They do not include any matches prior to this period (1882–1995). Records for "in
1080-497: Is both flattering and humbling that the Australian Rugby Union has afforded me this opportunity. While it will no doubt be an interesting position to be in, coaching against New Zealand; it is not without precedent, and will add to my personal development as a coach – as it has done for others before me. I always aspired to leave the Crusaders in good shape when the time came. I believe I will be doing that. Not only do we have
1152-475: Is probably only now that I truly appreciate the thought process and the 'what ifs?' that so many others have gone through before reaching this point. To go (off shore) is a big decision. It is not one that is entered into lightly. [...] I am ready to coach internationally. After serving for eleven years as a Super rugby manager and coach here, I feel I can not afford to forgo the position offered to me in Australia. It
1224-402: The 1998 season the Waratahs won a best six out of 11 games, ending up in 6th position on the ladder at the end of the season, despite obvious improvements the team had still yet to make a finals appearance. The Waratahs won four fixtures the next season. They won five games in the 2000 season and the 'Tahs finished their season in 9th place. In 2001 after replicating their 2000 performance,
1296-539: The Bledisloe Cup in 2003. On 14 December 2007, it was announced that Deans had been appointed the new Australia coach. The contract was for four years – leading into the 2011 Rugby World Cup – as Deans became the first ever foreigner to coach Australia. His contract with the Crusaders finished after the 2008 season and the New Zealand Rugby Union agreed to allow Deans to continue as Crusaders coach through
1368-671: The Force and Cheetahs . In the last home match of the regular season, the Waratahs hosted the Hurricanes , which they lost 14 to 29. The news that star league recruit Wendell Sailor had tested positive to an illegal substance and thus faced a career ending ban from the game was an unwelcome intrusion on the Waratahs semifinal build up. The following week, the semi-finals, they again faced the Hurricanes, though away in Wellington . The Waratahs made their exit, losing 16 to 14. Wendell Sailor later received
1440-636: The Kobe Kobelco Steelers . The Wild Knights fans were also awarded the Japan Special Award for their support and atmosphere. The club's starting scrum-half Wataru Ikeda was also chosen for the league Best XV that year. The following season seemed to mirror the first, as the Wild Knights fans were again awarded the Special Award and the club finished in 7th. They exited the Microsoft Cup in
1512-508: The National Provincial Championship , winning the title in 1997. As a player, Deans represented Canterbury, first playing at fly half , and later fullback . He also played nineteen matches for the All Blacks, including five tests. Deans attended Christ's College, Christchurch as a boarder where he played rugby mainly at first five-eighth. He made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 1979 and played mainly at fullback, as
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#17328873232571584-563: The New South Wales rugby league team against a visiting rebel New Zealand rugby team . This was essentially the birth of rugby league in Australia . During World War I , the NSW (and QLD) Rugby Unions ceased senior competition. The Queensland body however would not reform until 1929, which saw NSW have more responsibilities for Australian rugby. In 1921 the Waratahs toured New Zealand again, and out of their 10 fixtures, won nine games, including
1656-641: The Sydney Roosters . In 2009, the Waratahs signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Stadium Australia which saw them play at least one game per season at the Sydney Olympic Park stadium until 2015. As well as the SFS, the Waratahs have on occasion played fixtures at other stadiums throughout the state. During the Australian Provincial Championship , in which the Waratahs had two fixtures,
1728-480: The 2008 Super 14 season. Shortly after the details were made official, Deans released a personal statement on the Crusader's official website: [...] The decision to leave Christchurch after the end of the 2008 Crusaders season and coach overseas has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult of my professional sporting career. While the rugby marketplace has been global ever since rugby went professional 12 years ago, it
1800-547: The All Blacks scoring 202 points. His All Black career lasted less than two years, playing his last game against a Mar del Plata selection on 29 October 1985. He did however participate in the controversial Cavaliers tour of South Africa in 1986. Deans also played cricket for Canterbury Country in the Hawke Cup . Deans was appointed as coach of the Canterbury team for the 1997 National Provincial Championship (NPC) season. He
1872-728: The All Blacks, and drew once in 2012. He holds a good record against the Springboks, 9 wins from 14, and led the Wallabies to a Tri Nations championship in 2011 and to 3rd place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup . On 21 April 2014, Deans was announced as the Panasonic Wild Knights new head coach, succeeding Norifumi Nakajima . On 23 June 2017 it was announced that Deans is to coach the Barbarians FC for their match against New Zealand at Twickenham on 4 November 2017 His brother, Bruce ,
1944-523: The Australian conference with 13 more points than the team that came in at second place, the Brumbies , and came in as the number one team 7 points ahead of the competition. The Waratahs were in the driver's seat advancing straight through to the semi-finals; the club's 8th semi-final appearance. After the Brumbies defeated the Chiefs 32–30, the Brumbies advanced to compete against the Waratahs. The Waratahs displayed
2016-577: The Blues) in the final at Eden Park . The Crusaders repeated this feat the following year, with Deans again manager. In 2000 Deans took over as Crusaders coach after Wayne Smith became All Blacks coach. He coached the Crusaders to their third successive Super 12 title that year, beating the Brumbies in Canberra . He continued to coach the Canterbury team in the NPC in 2000 which led to a Ranfurly Shield win over Waikato;
2088-518: The Blues, scoring their first four try bonus point of the season. The Waratahs then continued on a roll finishing their home season with another impressive 4 try bonus point win against title front runners the Sharks, advancing to second place on the ladder. An average South African trip saw the team slip to third on the ladder after only notching up 3 competition points, due to a loss to the Bulls (7 or less BP) and
2160-408: The Crusaders finished tenth. But the following season, the Crusaders went through the entire season undefeated and won their fourth title overall, and their second with Deans as coach. In the following two seasons the Crusaders finished runners-up to the Blues in 2003, and then the Brumbies in 2004. The Crusaders won their third title under Deans in 2005. The Crusaders won their sixth title (the first of
2232-585: The NRC season, many of these players are retained in the Gen Blue (NSW A) team, which is the Waratahs elite development squad just below full-time professional level. The Sydney Rays and NSW Country Eagles also field Under 19 teams. The Gen Blue team plays matches against interstate and international representative teams, and has also competed in tournaments such as the Pacific Rugby Cup . Known by various names over
Robbie Deans - Misplaced Pages Continue
2304-553: The SRU had over 100 clubs in its governance in the metropolitan area. In 1882 the first New South Wales team was selected to play Queensland in a two-match series. NSW would go on to win both the games. That same year the first NSW touring squad was selected to go and play in New Zealand. In 1907, several of the New South Wales rugby union team's players defected. They included the "superstar", Dally Messenger . These players joined
2376-584: The Test. The most famous Waratah team was the 1927/28 Waratahs who toured the United Kingdom, France and North America, introducing a style of open, running rugby never seen before, but which has been the stamp of the Australian game ever since. They won 24 and drew two of their 31 official matches. Seven members of this 1927/8 side were from the Drummoyne Rugby Club . Upon returning home, were greeted with
2448-576: The Trans-Tasman Trophy. These colts teams were consolidated as under 20s ahead of the inaugural World Rugby U20 Championship . In 2018, an under 19 age limit was reinstated for the national colts team competition. Note: Byes (worth 4 points) were added to the competition between 2011 and 2013 The squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is: Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Outside backs The Matthew Burke Cup
2520-449: The Waratahs failed to make the finals for a second consecutive season finishing 9th overall. The 2014 season of the super rugby competition was undoubtedly the Waratahs greatest season so far. The Waratahs not only overcame the Curse of the Tahs, a commonly held superstition, but they were also able to post the greatest super rugby season yet. The second season under coach Michael Cheika saw
2592-417: The Waratahs were still out of reach of finals contention, in 8th position. 2002 was a record breaking season for the Waratahs, as the team won eight out of their 11-season games and finished in second place behind the Crusaders – making the semis. However, in the final game of the regular season the Waratahs lost 96–19 (a Super Rugby record). They were defeated by their Australian rivals the Brumbies, 51–10, in
2664-456: The Waratahs' first ever semi-final. The combined score over the two weeks was Brumbies/Crusaders 147 v. Waratahs 29. In the 2003 season the Waratahs missed a place in the finals, finishing in 6th position on the ladder at the end of the regular season. In 2004 the Waratahs made a promising start to their season with three straight wins. The team finished 8th on the Super 12 table, six points out of
2736-487: The Wild Knights nonetheless used their position in the Tokyo Sanyo corporation to hire talented foreigners to 'work' for the company with the real intention of playing for the rugby team. Known as " shamateurism ", it became rampant in rugby union, as well as football and baseball. Due to the merger of Tokyo Sanyo Electric with Sanyo Electric in 1986, the team name was changed to Sanyo Electric Rugby Team. The maiden season of
2808-458: The anniversary celebrations, a match was played at the SCG on 18 May against the All Blacks , though the Waratahs lost nil to 20. In their inaugural Super 12 season of 1996 , the Waratahs won just under half of their games, finishing mid table, with the two other Australian teams finishing above them. The following season of 1997 saw the Waratahs end in a 9th place, winning four fixtures. In
2880-429: The century" where Deans also played. This reign is the longest in Canterbury rugby union history. He went on to represent Canterbury 146 times, with his career ending in 1990. Deans also played for New Zealand's national rugby team, the All Blacks . His first game for the All Blacks was against Edinburgh on 26 October 1983. Deans played five tests for the All Blacks, scoring 50 points. He played an additional 14 games for
2952-535: The club won seven back-to-back titles between 1976 and 1982, becoming the dominant rugby force in Kantō-chihō. Further titles were added in 1986 and 1987, before the Wild Knights were entered into the new East Japan Rugby Championship against other top clubs from Kantō and Tōhoku. Rugby in Japan was a growing sport, gradually gaining popularity and competitiveness outside of its normal strongholds in company break-rooms and college campuses. Although still nominally amateur,
Robbie Deans - Misplaced Pages Continue
3024-681: The expanded Super 14) in 2006, and their fourth win with Deans in charge, making him the most successful coach in Super Rugby history so far. In 2008, Deans' last season in charge of the Crusaders, he coached them to a seventh super rugby title after they beat the NSW Waratahs at Jade Stadium. In honour of the Deans family, Jade Stadium (now AMI Stadium) erected a new stand called the "Deans Stand". Following 22 February earthquake, there remains doubt as to whether AMI Stadium will ever be used again, after some of
3096-470: The fact that Naoki Kawamata , Shota Horie , Seiichi Shimomura , Tomoki Kitagawa and Atsushi Tatanabe selected in the league's Best XV. Fullback Atsushi Tatanabe was also crowned the league's top scorer and best kicker for 2009. In 2011, despite finishing in 3rd during the regular league season, the club won the Championship play-offs by beating Suntory Sungoliath 28–23 in the final. Akihito Yamada
3168-465: The finals (on points difference) in 2009 and qualifying for the semi-final in 2010 . They finished 5th and 3rd in respective years, losing to the Stormers in the semi-final of the 2010 season. In the 2011 season, the Waratahs again failed to reach the final. On this occasion, their season ended when they were eliminated by the Blues in the qualifying final after finishing 5th in the overall standings in
3240-452: The finals. That year coach Ewen McKenzie re-introduced the end of season tour, taking place in Argentina that year. In 2005 , they had their best regular season, finishing second in the table, before losing to the Crusaders in the 2005 Super 12 Final . The Waratahs finished 3rd on the regular season table for the 2006 Super 14 season , in which two new teams entered the expanding tournament,
3312-567: The first Wallabies coach to win on the South African highveldt in 47 years after the team won 41–39 in Bloemfontein, thanks to a penalty goal from Kurtley Beale with no time left. While coaching the Wallabies in 2011 they had a mixed year - losing to Samoa before another loss to the All Blacks in Auckland, and defeating South Africa both home and away. In the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Australia suffered
3384-409: The first round. 2006 saw them finish runners-up in the league and see team-members Tony Brown and Yamauchi Tomokazu selected for the league's Best XV. In 2008, the club was crowned Top League champions, managing to go on a 13-game unbeaten record on their way to the title. The club won their second Top League crown in 2010 only to lose out in the playoffs. However, the club's success was mirrored in
3456-462: The first tour in their history when they travelled to South Korea to face a number of university and company teams there. In 1971 they won their first ever Kantō Rugby Championship , after arising from the 4th division only 9 years earlier. This success was followed the next season with a successive championship title, a testament to the increasing fortunes of the Gunma club. After a few runners-up places,
3528-460: The following decades as well, which included the emergence of footballers such as Trevor Allan, David Brockhoff, Tony Miller, Nick Shehadie, Eddie Stapleton, Ken Catchpole , John Thornett , Peter Crittle and Ron Graham . In 1963, the Sydney Rugby Union was established for the growth of the game in the city area. The NSW Rugby Union would celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1974. As part of
3600-607: The following three tests against the All Blacks, coached by arch-rival Graham Henry , but secured home and away wins over reigning the Rugby World Cup champion Springboks – Australia's win in South Africa was its first there in eight years. The Wallabies lost the third match to the Springboks by a record 53–8 score. There were also narrow wins over limited opposition in Italy and against a weakened Irish team. In 2010 Deans also became
3672-511: The game as it should be played Famous when we run the ball We can scrum and ruck and maul Playing the game as it should be played We are the mighty men in blue We will take the game to you We play the game as it should be played We've got talent We've got heart We will tear your team apart Playing the game as it should be played Waratahs, Waratahs We play the game as it should be played We've got talent We've got heart We will tear your team apart Playing
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#17328873232573744-465: The game as it should be played" The New South Wales Waratahs own and manages two National Rugby Championship teams, the Sydney Rays and NSW Country Eagles . These NRC teams draw on a range of players ranging from full-time professionals to those on incentive contracts. These teams are closely aligned with the Waratahs and are based at Moore Park , the training venue used by the Waratahs. Outside of
3816-694: The games were taken to the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford , and the other to Bathurst . The Waratahs also played trial matches at Campbelltown Stadium in 2008 and 2015. During the 2018 Super Rugby season , the Waratahs played one home game at Brookvale Oval and one at the Sydney Cricket Ground . With the SFS closed for demolition and rebuilding as the Sydney Football Stadium (2022) from 2019 to 2022 home games were split between
3888-430: The ground, including parts of the Deans stand, suffered structural damage. As a result, the new stand was not showcased during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. John Mitchell appointed Deans as his assistant when he became All Blacks coach in late 2001. Deans held the position until Mitchell was replaced after the 2003 Rugby World Cup . Under Mitchell and Deans, the All Blacks won the 2002 and 2003 Tri-Nations titles, as well as
3960-486: The majority of New South Wales in the Super Rugby competition. The Riverina and other southern parts of the state, are represented by the Brumbies , who are based in Canberra , Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The Waratahs play their home games at the new Allianz Stadium in Sydney . The NSWRU (or then, The Southern RU – SRU) was established in 1874, and the very first club competition took place that year. By 1880
4032-469: The move to Australia opens a new chapter in our lives, it's not a case of closing the book here. Our thoughts will always be with Canterbury and the Crusaders. [...] Robbie Deans Deans started well as coach of Australia by winning his first five tests, including the largest win over the All Blacks by the Wallabies in nine years. He ended his debut year of 2008 with mixed results. Australia under Deans lost
4104-511: The new CommBank Stadium , the Sydney Cricket Ground , Brookvale Oval and even outside of Sydney at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle . At the end of every winning game, the Waratahs sing the following song: "We are the mighty Waratahs Rough and tumble rugby stars We play the game as it should be played Famous when we run the ball We can scrum and ruck and maul Playing the game as it should be played Waratahs, Waratahs We play
4176-576: The new East Japan league was captured in 1988, with further crowns captured in 1990 and 1991. Further titles were nabbed during the 1990s and in May 1997 the club's new ground at Ryumai-cho was officially unveiled. In 2003 the Japan Rugby Football Union launched the Top League , Japan's first nationwide domestic rugby competition. Held annually between September and February, the Top League would mark
4248-503: The original site. The Saitama Wild Knights squad for the 2024-25 season is: Props Hookers Locks Flankers No8s Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wingers Fullbacks Utility Backs NSW Waratahs The New South Wales Waratahs ( / ˈ w ɒr ə t ɑː z / or / ˌ w ɒr ə ˈ t ɑː z / ;), referred to as the Waratahs , are an Australian professional rugby union team representing
4320-593: The post gave the Waratahs' a lead 33–32. The Waratahs had finally won a Super Rugby Championship. The "Waratahs" name has historically been the name for the New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) representative team, and became the name for the New South Wales team when it entered the Super Six , Super 10 and Super 12 competitions. The name and emblem comes from the waratah , the state flower for New South Wales. The New South Wales Waratahs commonly play in
4392-609: The previous jersey. An alternative white strip is also used. In pre-season of 2006, the Waratahs donned a New Jersey scheme in a trial game against the Crusaders . This system saw traditional rugby playing numbers on the back of jerseys replaced with the initials of the player. The current jersey is made by ISC and is Cambridge blue with navy side panels, collar and cuffs, with the alternate strip being white with five Cambridge blue hoops, collar and cuffs. Until 1885, New South Wales wore 'heather green' strips. From 1891 to 1897, New South Wales played in scarlet jerseys. The following season,
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#17328873232574464-412: The revamped competition. The following two seasons were very bleak by comparison. Coach Chris Hickey parted ways with the club at the end of the season with Michael Foley taking over the reins for 2012. The Waratahs finished well outside finals contention in 2012 in 11th place. This brought about another change in the coaching department with Michael Cheika for 2013 . His impact was not immediate as
4536-597: The set-up after proving himself the best first-five in Australia during Super Rugby" in 2013. Following the Wallabies 2–1 series defeat to the British & Irish Lions on their 2013 tour and a record 41–16 defeat in the decider, Deans handed his resignation into the ARU thus ending his role as head coach of the Wallabies. During his six-year tenure, Deans coached the Wallabies on 74 occasions, winning 43 times, losing 29 and drawing twice. He won just three times against their main rivals,
4608-428: The shield was held until 2003 (totalling 23 challenges). Canterbury's success in the 2000 season saw them host the NPC final at Jade Stadium against Wellington. A victory would have seen Deans coach teams to Super 12, Ranfurly Shield and NPC titles in the same year; however eventually Wellington won 34–29. From 2001 Deans concentrated solely on the Crusaders. The 2001 Super 12 season was his least successful in charge –
4680-407: The team adopted Cambridge blue jerseys. The light blue jersey and navy blue pants were established in 1897 and have been in effect ever since. In Super Rugby the Waratahs have featured the following sponsors: Until 2019, the Waratahs played at the old Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) in Sydney's Moore Park . The capacity for the stadium was 45,500. The Waratahs shared the ground with Sydney FC and
4752-506: The team already had future All Black coach Wayne Smith playing at first-five. Deans was the first-choice goal-kicker for the team and scored 1,641 points for the union. He was a member of the Canterbury team during the Ranfurly Shield era of the early 1980s. This included kicking eight of Canterbury's 16 points in its 16–12 challenge win over Wellington in 1982. In 1983-1984, he played for Grenoble french side club FC Grenoble . The shield reign ended in 1985 against Auckland in "the match of
4824-557: The years including NSW A, Waratahs A, Gen Blue, and Junior Waratahs, the team is selected from the best emerging rugby talent in New South Wales. The squad is composed of Waratahs contracted players, extended training squad members, New South Wales Under 19s, and selected Shute Shield club players. Two New South Wales teams, Sydney Rays U19 and NSW Country Eagles U19, play in the national URC competition. Prior to 2008, state colts teams at under 21 and under 19 age levels were fielded in national tournaments and competitions such as
4896-563: Was an All Black and member of the Canterbury team. His great-uncle, Bob Deans , was an All Black and also captained Canterbury . Saitama Wild Knights Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic Wild Knights ) is a Japanese rugby union team formerly based in Ōta city , Gunma prefecture which played in the Top League . In 2021 it relocated 13 kilometers south to Kumagaya , Saitama prefecture , and rebranded as Saitama Wild Knights accordingly. It now plays in Japan Rugby League One . Inspired by Tony Brown at fly half (though he
4968-401: Was assisted by Steve Hansen (former All Black coach). Deans' first season was a success, with Canterbury beating Auckland for the first time in 14 years, then going on to win the title. The following year he managed the Canterbury Crusaders (since renamed Crusaders) Super Rugby franchise who were coached by Wayne Smith. The Crusaders won the title, beating the Auckland Blues (since renamed
5040-400: Was named MVP for the entire season. The club were runners-up in the play-offs in 2012. Prior to the start of the 2012–13 season, the club was sold to Panasonic corporation and renamed the Panasonic Wild Knights, the name they currently bear. The team colours were switched from red and black to predominantly blue and black. In 2014, Head Coach Norifumi Nakajima left the club on the back of
5112-445: Was not captain), it dominated the league in the fifth season and was the first team to be unbeaten throughout a Top League season. The Wild Knights were founded in 1960 by alumni of the Kumagai Industrial School and workers of the Tokyo Sanyo corporation. Initially an amateur company team, they competed in the Kantō Leagues during the 1960s, rising gradually through the ranks of the prefecture's rugby pyramid. In 1968 they undertook
5184-561: Was recruited to leave his native country to coach Australia. Dissatisfaction amongst players and supporters with the conservative game plan employed by the Wallabies during and after the World Cup, a win rate hovering around 60%, and a poor 3–15 record against the All Blacks led to Deans came under increasing pressure to keep his coaching position. According to rugby writer Gregor Paul, there was also "widespread frustration at Deans' refusal to make peace with Quade Cooper and welcome him back into
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