Bob Deans

Who was Bob Deans?

Bob Deans was a former New Zealand and Canterbury rugby union footballer. Deans entered into New Zealand rugby folklore for a disallowed try against Wales in 1905, when he claimed to score 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. However, they were considered very lucky not to lose to both Swansea and Cardiff also. As such, the 1905 tour confirmed that the Welsh clubs were the world's foremost rugby powers. Tragically, Deans was only 24 when he died as a result of complications arising from an appendix operation.