Former Wallabies Mark Ella surprised by new ARU deal with Robbie Deans - Rugby News
Former Wallabies player, Mark Ella, has expressed his wonder at the fresh deal Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has given Robbie Deans. ARU has made a new deal for another two years with the Wallabies head coach which will end in 2013. Deans’ previous contract
with the union was ending with the conclusion of Rugby World Cup 2011 starting next month in New Zealand. Mark Ella told the media on August 16 that he has no doubts in Deans’ abilities but union should have delayed the decision until the end of RWC 2011.
Mark Ella, who represented Wallabies back in 1980s, was of the view that a player or official is blessed after success but the ARU has taken a strange decision by refreshing its contract with Robbie Deans before the start of RWC 2011. He further said that
Deans, who is no doubt one of the best coaches of his time, did not deserve the deal at the moment.
Ella supported his argument while saying that, “I think Robbie's a great coach. He's one of the best in the world. [But] I would have preferred if the ARU had probably waited until after the World Cup. I'm not saying Robbie doesn't deserve to be coach ...
I'm not saying that at all but, normally, you get rewarded on success. The ARU wanted Robbie Deans and, God bless them, they've got him which is fine. They've got the man they wanted and that's great.”
Ella had played 25 tests for Australia and scored 78 points for his team. He was considered on the best players of his time and all time favourite in Australia for his unique style and approach in the game. A former Australian coach Bob Dwyer, Welsh eightman
Eddie Butler had included Ella in their list of best players and best fly-halves respectively.
Meanwhile, Robbie Deans is delighted with the new deal as he talked to the journalists. Deans, announcing his new deal said that, “A large number of players have re-committed to Australian Rugby this year. I'm pleased to be joining them.”
Robbie Deans has been round the Wallabies since the end of Rugby World Cup 2007.
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