Wallabies and former Crusaders rugby coach Robbie Deans' father died yesterday.

Anthony Maxwell Deans died at his home, aged 83.

He is survived by his wife, Joy, and other children Jo, Nicky, Bruce and Sarah.

While the Wallabies squad boarded a plane yesterday morning, Robbie Deans was en route to Christchurch to be with his father.

It is not known when he would now arrive at the Wallabies Cape Town base to prepare for their August 9 match against the Springboks.