Mac McCallion was appointed as Fiji’s national coaching director in March 2002 four years after he had initially applied and been short listed for the job.
The former New Zealand Maori - he captained them to tour wins over Fiji, Tonga and Samoa in 1979 - has a wealth of coaching experience and was named New Zealand Coach of the Year in 1996 and 1997 for his work with the NPC Division One outfit Counties.
McCallion, who ended his two year spell as coach of Italian side Arix Viadana to link up with Fiji, had previously worked with Counties Maoris as forwards coach, Counties 2nd XV and, in 1993, the New Zealand Maori Invitational team.
He enhanced his reputation further as Graham Henry’s assistant at the Auckland Blues during a four-year spell that saw them reach three consecutive Super 12 finals, lifting the trophy on two occasions in 1997 and 1998.
A loose forward in his playing career with Counties during the late 1970s and early 1980s, McCallion is, like Manu Samoa coach and former New Zealand Maori team mate John Boe, involved with the New Zealand Sports Academy in Rotorua.