Officials from the Australia Rugby Union (ARU) have held talks with Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, the Sydney Morning Telegraph has confirmed.

ARU Chief executive John O'Neill and high performance director Pat Howard met Deans (pictured) in Paris ahead of Saturday's World Cup final between England and South Africa.

However, the Wallabies' chief executive claimed they did not discuss any specifics with regards to New Zealander Deans replacing John Connolly as Australia head coach.

Connolly had always planned to leave his position when the Wallabies' World Cup campaign had come to an end.

"I can say that Pat and I had a very pleasant chat over coffee with Robbie," O'Neill told the Sydney Morning Telegraph.

"It was a further opportunity to get to know each other and we spoke about a range of subjects. There were no specifics around coaching positions."

Deans is one of several coaches tipped to take over from Connolly, with Auckland's David Nucifora, Ewen McKenzie of New South Wales and Laurie Fisher of the ACT Brumbies also thought to be the running.

Wallabies assistant coach Scott Johnson has also been linked with the job.

Deans, who has won a string of Super 14 titles with the Crusaders, is also thought to be on a shortlist to replace New Zealand head coach Graham Henry following the All Blacks' shock exit from the World Cup.

Deans has also been linked with the Wales job. Wales sacked their coach Gareth Jenkins after they failed to reach the knock-out stage of the World Cup.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport