Former Australia coach Robbie Deans has ruled himself out of the running to succeed Eddie Jones as Japan coach.

Jones, who almost took the Cherry Blossoms to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals this year, joined South African outfit the Stormers before agreeing to become head coach with England.

However, while the Japan Rugby Football Union is looking for new boss to take the national team through to the next World Cup on home soil, Deans has insisted that it will not be him.

He told Kyodo News: "I told the JRFU some time ago that I was not interested. I enjoy working at Panasonic. They are a good club and a good group of men who play for each other and I enjoy the program there.

"I did 12 years in Super Rugby and won seven titles – five as head coach and two as manager. I am not interested in living out of a suitcase, especially with the itinerary those guys (the Sunwolves) have been given.

"I am not looking at returning to international rugby or Super Rugby. I have done my time there."

Deans was sacked as Wallabies coach after they lost a three-match Test series against the British and Irish Lions in 2013.

Written by
Chris O'Keefe