Australia coach Robbie Deans will lead the Wallabies until at least the 2011 World Cup.
Deans had been under pressure in some quarters after the Wallabies won just six of their 14 Tests last year.
But the former Canterbury Crusaders boss has earned the backing of the Australian Rugby Union who have guaranteed his position until the close of next year’s tournament in his native New Zealand.
The continuing contract concludes two seasons before the Lions arrive in Australia in 2013 but impressive Tri Nations and World Cup campaigns could mean Deans remains in charge when Britain and Ireland’s elite travel Down Under.
Deans presented a review of the 2009 calendar year alongside the ARU’s high performance manager David Nucifora, with ARU boss John O’Neill stating that he saw no reason to dispose of Deans despite a disappointing run of results.
"The board were very comfortable and confirmed Robbie in his position through to the World Cup in 2011," said O’Neill.
There will be no significant changes to Deans’ backroom staff either, with assistant coach Jim Williams being helped by former Blues and Brumbies coach Nucifora in the lineout and breakdown areas.
