Fisher spurns Saracens

Laurie Fisher, the coach of Australia's Under-21 side, has revealed that he rejected an offer to become the new head coach of Saracens.

Fisher, who led Australia to the final of last month's Under-21 World Cup in England, said he will stay in Canberra to help the ACT Brumbies prepare for the 2004 Super 12 season.

"Saracens have a proud history and some exciting plans for the future," Fisher, the Brumbies' forwards coach, said. "I was honoured to be offered the chance to be their head coach. But in the end I feel that I have some unfinished business here."

Saracens released the former All Black captain Wayne Shel-ford and all his staff last month after a disappointing season.

Jon Callard is likely to stay on as coach of Leeds next season after turning down the role of director of rugby at Leinster.

Leeds' chief executive, Gary Hetherington, said: "Jon is currently out of contract, but we are confident he will be with us for next season. Since the end of the season Jon has been involved with the England Under-21 set up and is now on a well earned holiday - but we expect to sit down and discuss a new contract upon his return."