Rugby: McCallion hopeful on Fijian coaching job

By Chris Rattue

Mac McCallion emerged from an interview with Fiji rugby officials yesterday confident he had a good chance of being named Fiji's new rugby coach.

An interview panel of Fiji Rugby Football Union chairman Tom Vuetilovoni, former All Black and FRFU board member Andy Haden, and Fiji captain Greg Smith, interviewed McCallion for an hour and a half in Auckland yesterday.

They will now talk to the other candidates, former Wallaby coach Greg Smith and ex- Wallaby lock Duncan Hall, in Fiji with an announcement expected early next week on who would replace Brad Johnstone.

McCallion, the former Blues assistant and Counties coach, missed out on a Super 12 job. But he has emerged a strong contender to take Fiji through to the next World Cup.

"I thought the interview went very well and I'd love to have the job," said McCallion.

"Some reports have said Greg Smith is the favourite ... but I seem to have a very good chance."