Former Flying Fijians coach Mac McCallion passes away

Former Flying Fijians coach Mac McCallion has passed away after a battle with cancer.

A Vietnam War veteran, McCallion was named New Zealand coach of the year in 1996 and 1997.

He was 67.

McCallion was an assistant coach at the Blues under Graham Henry for the first four years of Super Rugby and coached Fiji in 2002 and took us to the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Counties Manukau CEO Bart Hoggard said it's a very sad day for the Union.

Hoggard said McCallion was at the helm when Joeli Vidiri and Jonah Lomu burst onto the scene and had a very successful time coaching Counties.

Henry said he was a very good forwards coach who had the respect of the players.

Source: NZ Herald