Former Wallabies boss Robbie Deans will become the head coach of Japan's Top League and national champions Panasonic Wild Knights on May 1, the club said Tuesday.

Deans has also managed the Christchurch-based Crusaders and served as an All Blacks assistant coach.

The 54-year-old New Zealander parted company with the Australian Rugby Union after the Wallabies lost the British and Irish Lions Test series 2-1 in June.