Robbie Deans sacked as Australia coach

Australia have axed coach Robbie Deans following their 2-1 series defeat to the British and Irish Lions and appear poised to name Ewen McKenzie as his replacement on Tuesday.

The sacking of Deans comes after reports circulated on Monday that the ARU were going to release the New Zealander from his contract six months early.

Queensland Reds coach McKenzie has apparently been given the nod ahead to succeed him, fending off competition from Jake White of the Brumbies, who lead South Africa to their 2007 World Cup triumph.

Deans enjoyed five-and-a-half years at the helm of Australian rugby union and helped them rise to second in the world rankings and a Tri-Nations success in 2011.