Mac McCallion

Warrick Lee "Mac" McCallion

McCallion served in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment of the New Zealand Army during the Vietnam War. Aged 17, and having lied about his age to enlist, he was a member of the secret Faceless 26 Ghost Unit of the New Zealand Special Air Service.

After the war, he played for Counties from 1976 to 1980, and made eight appearances for New Zealand Māori in the late 1970s.

McCallion was named New Zealand coach of the year for his work with the NPC Division One team Counties in both 1996 and 1997. 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.

McCallion was appointed Fiji's national coaching director in March 2002. He took the Fiji national team to the 2003 Rugby World Cup, but quit later that year, citing frustration at Fiji being overlooked for tournaments by the stronger rugby nations.

McCallion is survived by his two children, Zeb and Dion, his daughter in-law Robyn and his 6 grandchildren.