Robbie Deans set to coach Japanese champions

TOKYO (AP) — Robbie Deans is set to take charge of the Japanese champion Panasonic Wild Knights next month, less than a year after his tenure as Australia coach ended in a series defeat to the British and Irish Lions.

The 54-year-old New Zealander, an ex-All Blacks fullback and Super Rugby-winning coach with the Crusaders, will replace Norifumi Nakajima, the club announced in a statement widely reported by the domestic media on Tuesday.

The Wild Knights, based in Ota, 80 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, are the Top League and national champions.

Deans, the first foreigner appointed as head coach of the Wallabies, guided Australia to 43 wins, 29 defeats and two draws from 2008 to last June.