Rugby: Samoa reports surprise McCallion

By CHRIS RATTUE and NZPA

Former Counties coach Mac McCallion says reports that he is after the job of Manu Samoa coach are "news to me."

McCallion has missed out on coaching Fiji, who this week appointed former Wallaby coach Greg Smith.

McCallion did not want to comment on losing out on the Fiji post, but said he had heard reports saying he might take over the Samoan position vacated by Bryan Williams.

"I heard it on the news and it was news to me. I've not had contact with them," said McCallion.

Michelle Boag, from the commercial arm of Samoan rugby, said the delay in naming a new coach was so they could "make sure we have the best person."

"I can't comment on the candidates or Mac. He only became available yesterday."

Smith was appointed to coach Fiji for two years. He was unanimously selected by the Fiji Rugby Union national team board from a short-list of three candidates.

The other two contestants for the post vacated by Brad Johnstone were former Wallaby lock forward Duncan Hall and McCallion, a former assistant coach to the Super 12 Auckland Blues. Fijian RFU chairman Tom Vuetilovoni, announcing Smith's appointment, said there were no doubts on the quality, professionalism and performance history of the candidates interviewed. "It came down to the person who was more professional and who had a proven ability to manage a team."

The successful candidate had to be a thinker, a visionary, loyal to Fiji and recognise the Fijian flair for the game.

Smith took over the Wallabies after a season of very poor performances in 1995.

"He built up a team and a very good record. The only team it hadn't beaten was the All Blacks," Vuetilovoni said.

Smith begins his new job at the start of the season in March. He gets a salary package close to what Johnstone started with of $US40,000 ($77,609) with a house and a car.