Embattled Auckland Blues coach Pat Lam reportedly says new Tonga Rugby Union chairman Epi Taione has asked about his availability to coach the Tongan national team.
Lam was coach and Taione manager of the Asia Pacific Barbarians team that won the Chartis Cup in Hong Kong earlier this month. Lam told the Samoa Observer that Taione made the inquiries after that tournament.
A former All Blacks and Samoa backrower, Lam says he would wait until August to learn if he will be reappointed by Auckland before he considers other offers. The Blues are currently last in the Super Rugby competition and Lam is not expected to retain his job.
Lam says he would also determine whether he was wanted by Samoa before seeking an appointment elsewhere.
AP