About Bob Deans
Lived 1884 – 1908 (aged 24). Bob Deans was a New Zealand rugby union player.
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.
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.
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Important facts
People in Bob Deans's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Bob Deans's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Bob Deans?
New Zealand rugby union player
When was Bob Deans born?
Bob Deans was born on 19 February 1884 in Christchurch.
When did Bob Deans die?
Bob Deans died on 30 September 1908 in Christchurch.
What was Bob Deans's occupation?
Bob Deans was a rugby union player.
What nationality was Bob Deans?
Bob Deans was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bob Deans. https://biography.guide/bob-deans/
MLA: "Bob Deans." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bob-deans/.
Chicago: "Bob Deans." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bob-deans/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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