Bob Deans

For persons of a similar name, see Robert Deans (disambiguation).

Robert George Deans (19 February 1884 – 30 September 1908) was a New Zealand and Canterbury rugby union footballer. In 1905, Deans entered New Zealand rugby folklore for his disallowed try against Wales in the famous Match of the Century. Deans claimed to have scored a try that would have drawn New Zealand level but was pulled back over the line before the referee could catch up. It was the only match that New Zealand lost in the 35-match tour. Deans was 24 years old when he died as a result of complications arising from an appendix operation.

Bob Deans

Birth name	Robert George Deans
Date of birth	(1884-02-19)19 February 1884
Place of birth	Christchurch, New Zealand
Date of death	30 September 1908(1908-09-30) (aged 24)
Place of death	Darfield, New Zealand
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	85.6 kg (189 lb)
School	Christchurch Boys' High School
Notable relative(s)	Bruce Deans (grandnephew) Robbie Deans (grandnephew)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre three-quarter Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1902–1908 High School Old Boys () Correct as of 7 May 2007 Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1903–1908 Canterbury 25 () International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1905–1908 New Zealand 24 (63)

Family members

Deans' great nephews Bruce Deans and Robbie Deans also played for Canterbury and the All Blacks. Robbie is the former Australian head coach. Jane Deans (died 1911) was his grandmother.

See also

• High School Old Boys RFC

External links

• Bob Deans at AllBlacks.com
• Olssen, Erik (7 April 2006). "Deans, Robert George 1884–1908". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Retrieved 2 May 2007.