''I think the best is yet to come'' ... John O'Neill. Photo: Getty Images

AS JOHN O'NEILL announced a farewell to the Australian Rugby Union yesterday, much was made of his ability to leave the sport in better shape than when he took over.

Where he will leave Australian rugby is not where he had hoped, but it is not far away either. As he admitted: ''Not where we'd like to be, but I think the best is yet to come.''

Whether that future includes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans remains to be seen. The ARU will not only lose one of Australian sport's most recognised and formidable administrators, when O'Neill leaves later this month, but also one of Deans's staunchest allies.

With O'Neill due to retire as chief executive and managing director, after two stints and a total of 14 years, Deans's future will be further clouded. O'Neill was instrumental in Deans re-signing last year.

Advertisement

In typical style, O'Neill defended that decision yesterday, as he was asked whether it had been a mistake.

''He was given a two-year extension, and as with every employee, is subject to regular reviews,'' he said. ''The board conducts that review. The board's pretty well-equipped to do that, with four former Wallabies, including the chairman, John Eales, Brett Robinson and George Gregan.''

ARU chairman Michael Hawker was quick to back Deans too.

''We're very comfortable with Robbie Deans,'' Hawker said. ''I'd just like to put Robbie Deans's performance in context as well.

Read this article:
ARU chief exits confident of future success