Rugby: Fiji feelers out for McCallion, Leslie

By CHRIS RATTUE

Former Counties Manukau coach Mac McCallion has had contact with the Fiji Rugby Union, although he is surprised at reports listing him as one of the frontrunners to become the national coach.

A report from Suva said that former Australian coach Greg Smith, McCallion and 1970s All Black captain Andy Leslie were on the shortlist to replace Brad Johnstone, who has taken over the Italian side.

McCallion assisted Graham Henry with the Auckland Blues, but has been overlooked for top Super 12 coaching positions. He stepped down this year after five mainly successful seasons in charge of Counties.

McCallion said former All Black and Auckland prop Johnstone had spoken to him about the job and a Fijian rugby official had contacted him two months ago, but that was the last he had heard from the Fiji union.

"I'd call it media speculation. [Coaching Fiji] is a job I would consider but I really don't know much about the situation at the moment," said McCallion, who will spend the next three weeks holidaying in Australia.

While McCallion was playing down his chances, Smith said he would love the job.

"I would love to if given the opportunity. Fiji is a paradise and is always my holiday destination," he said. "But foremost, I had great empathy for Fiji rugby and I believe it has great resources to build a great rugby team."

Smith had a rocky time as the Australian coach from 1996-97, when they won 20 of 27 tests.

There were problems within the Wallaby camp and Smith quit after Australia crashed to a 22-61 loss to South Africa in Pretoria.

Smith was diagnosed with a brain tumour but had successful surgery, and took over as coach of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs this year. A former New South Wales coach, he has had an association with Fiji rugby, having recruited four of their players to Easts in the late 1980s.

Leslie, who could not be reached for comment, coached Wellington from 1990 to 1992. He also coached in Ireland, where he had a stint as the national director of coaching.