Derek Thomas Deans was born in Hawick on 3 May 1955 and educated at Hawick High School. He initially worked as a fuel injection specialist and later became the managing director of a foil laminating company. Colin Deans played at hooker for Hawick and captained the club in 1984/85. His 52 internationals between 1978 and 1987 made him Scotland's most-capped hooker and he also led his country 13 times. In 1983 he toured with the British Isles to New Zealand, playing in seven matches. He also captained the Lions against the Rest of the World at Cardiff Arms Park in 1986 as part of the IRB's centenary celebrations. He was an unused replacement for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1978 and was also in the squad for the cancelled match against Australia in 1982. He later captained the Barbarians against Italy and London Welsh in 1985 and the Mobbs Memorial Match of the following year.