8 Oct 2015

Fiji's John McKee dismisses Japan links

12:39 pm on 8 October 2015

Fiji rugby coach John McKee has dismissed speculation linking him with a Japan coaching role, insisting he is committed to leading his current side through to the 2019 World Cup.

Fiji thrashed Uruguay 47-15 in their final Pool A match yesterday to end the tournament on a high after defeats against England, Australia and Wales in the so-called "pool of death".

McKee was appointed Flying Fijians coach in May last year after spending six months as general manager of high performance.

Fiji's head coach John McKee attends a press conference in Cardiff.

Fiji's head coach John McKee attends a press conference in Cardiff, south Wales, on September 30, 2015, during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Photo: AFP

The New Zealander says he has no plans to leave his current post.

"I know there's a lot of speculation in the media with Japan looking for a new coach when Eddie [Jones] leaves at the end of this tournament but I am committed to Fiji and when I return I want to discuss with the board the possibility of extending my contract [until 2019]".

"I'm contracted until 2017 at the moment and I want to stay there until then, but I feel [that] if I've gone all that way with them I should really stay until after Rugby World Cup 2019 at least."

Fiji have yet to qualify for the 2019 tournament, which will be held in Japan after finishing fourth in their pool.