Robbie Deans is now new Wallabies boss

Robbie Deans has guided the Crusaders to four Super 12 and Super 14 titles

New Zealander Robbie Deans has been appointed as the first non-Australian coach.

Deans, who will continue to coach the Canterbury Crusaders in next year's Super 14, has signed a four-year deal that ends after the 2011 World Cup.

The former All Blacks full-back replaces John Connolly, who stepped down after Australia's defeat by England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Deans was favourite to take the All Blacks job but the NZ Rugby Union opted to stick with Graham Henry despite his team's World Cup failure.

We believe it is only fair that he be given this opportunity

NZRU chief executive Chris Moller on Robbie Deans

Laurie Fisher, Alan Jones, Ewen McKenzie, John Muggleton and David Nucifora were also interviewed by the Australian selection panel.

Deans has built up an impressive coaching CV with the Crusaders, guiding them to four Super 12 and Super 14 titles, two other finals as well as a semi-final in eight seasons.

He was also an assistant to All Blacks coach John Mitchell from 2001-2003.